Lab results explained
CBC test normal range
Last checked against the sources below on · How we write health pages
Short answer: A CBC checks your red cells, white cells and platelets. Typical adult ranges are hemoglobin 13.5–17.5 g/dL for men and 12–15.5 g/dL for women, white cells (WBC or TLC) 4,000–11,000 per µL, and platelets 150,000–450,000 per µL (1.5–4.5 lakh/cumm). Ranges vary slightly between labs.
Have your report? See what every number means.
Free, no sign-up. Your report is read on this device and never uploaded.
Typical adult range
Your lab may print a slightly different range. Use the one on your report when there is one.
| Test | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Hemoglobin | 13.5–17.5 g/dL135–175 g/L8.38–10.9 mmol/L | 12–15.5 g/dL120–155 g/L7.45–9.62 mmol/L |
| White blood cells (WBC / TLC) | 4–11 ×10³/µL4,000–11,000 /µL0.04–0.11 lakh/µL | |
| Platelets | 150–450 ×10³/µL150,000–450,000 /µL1.5–4.5 lakh/µL | |
| Red blood cell count (RBC) | 4.5–5.9 million/µL | 4.1–5.1 million/µL |
| Hematocrit (PCV) | 40–50 %0.4–0.5 L/L | 36–44 %0.36–0.44 L/L |
| MCV (red cell size) | 80–100 fL | |
| MCH | 27–33 pg | |
| RDW | 11.5–14.5 % | |
What a CBC measures
A complete blood count, also called a full blood count (FBC) in the UK and a CBC or hemogram in India and Pakistan, is one of the most common blood tests. It counts the three main types of blood cells. Red cells carry oxygen, and the report shows them as hemoglobin (haemoglobin), RBC count and hematocrit (PCV). White cells fight infection and appear as WBC or TLC, often with a differential that breaks them into types. Platelets help blood clot. The test also gives red cell indices such as MCV, MCH and RDW, which describe the size and colour of red cells.
Reading the units on your report
Different labs write the same number in different ways, which confuses many people. A white cell count of 7.5 ×10³/µL is the same as 7,500/cumm and 7.5 ×10⁹/L. A platelet count of 250 ×10³/µL equals 2.5 lakh/cumm or 250 ×10⁹/L. Hemoglobin in g/dL becomes g/L if you multiply by 10, so 13.5 g/dL is 135 g/L. The checker on this page reads the common styles, but it is worth checking the unit column before comparing your result with any range.
What the red cell indices tell you
MCV is the average size of your red cells, normally 80 to 100 fL. Small cells (low MCV) often point to iron deficiency or a thalassaemia trait, which is common in South Asian, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean families. Large cells (high MCV) can come with low vitamin B12 or folate, heavy alcohol use, liver disease or some medicines. MCH, normally 27 to 33 pg, tends to move with MCV. RDW, normally 11.5 to 14.5%, shows how much cell sizes vary; a high RDW with low MCV often fits iron deficiency.
What usually happens next
A result just outside the range is common and often means nothing on its own, because about 1 in 20 healthy people fall outside any reference range. Doctors look at the whole pattern, your symptoms and earlier results. A low hemoglobin may lead to iron, B12 or folate tests. A high white count may be checked again after an infection settles. A low platelet count is often repeated to rule out clumping in the sample tube. If several cell lines are low or very abnormal, your doctor may order a blood smear or refer you to a haematologist.
When to get help the same day
Get same-day care if your hemoglobin is under 7 g/dL or above 20 g/dL, your white count is under 2,000 or above 30,000 per µL, your neutrophils are under 500 per µL, or your platelets are under 20,000 (0.2 lakh) per µL. Call your local emergency number for chest pain, fainting, severe breathlessness, heavy bleeding, or fever with a very low neutrophil count.
Questions to ask your doctor
- Which of my CBC results are outside the range, and do they fit a pattern?
- Could my low or high result be caused by a recent infection or medicine?
- Do I need iron, vitamin B12 or folate tests?
- Should I repeat the CBC, and when?
- Do I need a blood smear or a referral to a haematologist?
Check your own results
Paste your report, drop the lab's PDF or type the values. Each result is compared with typical ranges and explained, with questions for your doctor.
- Read on your device, never uploaded
- No health data on our servers
- Explains results, doesn't diagnose
Educational only, not medical advice or a diagnosis. Reference ranges differ between labs; your doctor interprets results with your history. Results are only kept if you press Save, and then only in this browser.
More cbc tests (12)
Enter a value above to see what it means.
Frequently asked questions
What is TLC in a CBC report?
TLC stands for total leucocyte count, the total number of white blood cells. It is the same as WBC. The usual adult range is 4,000 to 11,000 cells per cumm (µL), which some reports write as 4 to 11 ×10³/µL or 4 to 11 ×10⁹/L.
Are CBC normal ranges different for men and women?
Yes, for the red cell results. Men usually have higher hemoglobin, hematocrit and RBC counts than women. White cell and platelet ranges are the same for both. Children, pregnant women and people living at high altitude have their own ranges, so ask your doctor which ones apply.
Do I need to fast for a CBC?
No. A CBC is not affected by food, so you can eat and drink normally. If other tests such as fasting glucose or a lipid profile are drawn at the same time, you may be asked to fast for those. Heavy exercise or dehydration just before can shift some values slightly.
Can a CBC detect cancer?
A CBC can show changes that make a doctor look further, such as very high or very low white cells, but it cannot diagnose cancer by itself. Most abnormal CBC results have common causes like infection, iron deficiency or medicines. Further tests are needed before any diagnosis is made.
Sources
This page explains what results usually mean. It isn't a diagnosis or medical advice; your doctor interprets results with your symptoms, history and medicines. Medical disclaimer
Read on your device
Your report is read by your own browser. It is never uploaded.
No health data on our servers
We don't have a database of results. Saved history stays in this browser.
Check it yourself
Load the page, turn off Wi-Fi, paste your results: it still works.
Explains, doesn't diagnose
Plain-English meaning and questions for your doctor. Not medical advice.
Feeling very unwell? Call your local emergency number now.How we handle health dataMedical disclaimer