Hemoglobin Normal Range — Hb Levels by Age and Sex
Understand your Hemoglobin (Hb) Test report — normal values, what abnormal results mean, and when to get tested.
What is Hemoglobin (Hb) Test?
Hemoglobin (Hb) is the iron-rich protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to every part of the body. A low hemoglobin level is called anaemia and is the most common blood problem in India — more than half of Indian women and children are anaemic, mainly because of iron deficiency. Low Hb causes tiredness, breathlessness on climbing stairs, pale skin, dizziness, and in pregnancy, risk to both mother and baby. The Hb test is a quick blood test done alone or as part of a CBC, and is often the first test a doctor orders for weakness.
Hemoglobin (Hb) Test Normal Range Chart
| Parameter | Normal Range | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Hemoglobin — Men | 13.0–17.0 g/dL | g/dL |
| Hemoglobin — Women (non-pregnant) | 12.0–15.5 g/dL | g/dL |
| Hemoglobin — Pregnancy | 11.0–14.0 g/dL | g/dL |
| Hemoglobin — Children (6 months – 5 years) | 11.0–14.0 g/dL | g/dL |
| Hemoglobin — Children (5 – 12 years) | 11.5–15.5 g/dL | g/dL |
| Hemoglobin — Newborn | 14.0–22.0 g/dL | g/dL |
| Anaemia grades (WHO, adults) | Mild: 10–12.9 (men) / 10–11.9 (women) | g/dL |
* Reference ranges may vary slightly between laboratories. Always interpret results with your doctor.
What Do Abnormal Results Mean?
Hemoglobin — Men
Dehydration, smoking, lung disease, polycythemia, high altitude
Below 13.0 = anaemia — iron deficiency, blood loss (piles, ulcer), B12 deficiency, chronic disease
Hemoglobin — Women (non-pregnant)
Dehydration, smoking, polycythemia
Below 12.0 = anaemia — heavy periods, iron-poor diet, fibroids, B12/folate deficiency
Hemoglobin — Pregnancy
Dehydration; rarely a concern
Below 11.0 = anaemia in pregnancy — increases risk of low birth weight, preterm delivery, and bleeding at delivery
Hemoglobin — Children (6 months – 5 years)
Dehydration
Below 11.0 = anaemia — iron-poor diet, worm infestation, frequent infections
Hemoglobin — Children (5 – 12 years)
Dehydration
Below 11.5 = anaemia
Hemoglobin — Newborn
Normal in first week of life
Below 14.0 = neonatal anaemia — needs paediatric evaluation
Anaemia grades (WHO, adults)
Moderate: 7.0–9.9 g/dL. Severe: below 7.0 g/dL — may need blood transfusion
Below 5 g/dL is life-threatening; emergency admission
How to Prepare for Hemoglobin (Hb) Test
- ✓No fasting required for hemoglobin test
- ✓Drink water normally — dehydration can falsely raise Hb
- ✓Inform your doctor about iron tablets, recent blood donation, or heavy periods
- ✓Report available within 1 hour
When Should You Get Tested?
- •Tiredness, weakness, or breathlessness on exertion
- •Pale skin, nails, or inner eyelids
- •Dizziness or palpitations
- •Heavy or prolonged menstrual periods
- •Every trimester during pregnancy
- •Children with poor appetite, growth delay, or pica (eating mud/chalk)
- •Bleeding piles, black stools, or blood in vomit
- •Before surgery and after starting iron treatment (recheck in 4-6 weeks)
Hemoglobin (Hb) Test Cost in Bhopal
₹100 – ₹250
Available at R.K. Hospital, Indrapuri, Bhopal with same-day reports.
View detailed cost breakdown →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the normal hemoglobin level?
Normal hemoglobin is 13–17 g/dL for men, 12–15.5 g/dL for women, and 11–14 g/dL during pregnancy. For children aged 6 months to 5 years, 11 g/dL or above is normal. Below these values is called anaemia.
Hemoglobin 8, 9, or 10 — is it dangerous?
Hb 10–12 is mild anaemia and is treated with diet and iron tablets. Hb 7–10 is moderate anaemia and needs proper evaluation of the cause plus iron treatment (tablets or IV iron). Hb below 7 is severe anaemia — the patient may need urgent treatment or blood transfusion, especially if pregnant, elderly, or breathless.
How can I increase hemoglobin fast?
Iron-rich foods (spinach, beetroot, dates, jaggery, pomegranate, meat, liver) with vitamin C (lemon, amla) help, but diet alone raises Hb slowly — about 1 g/dL per month. Iron tablets raise Hb faster (1–2 g/dL per month). For very low Hb or pregnancy, IV iron injections work within 2-3 weeks. Always find and treat the cause of the anaemia.
What is the normal hemoglobin in pregnancy?
In pregnancy, Hb of 11 g/dL or above is normal. Hb drops slightly in the second trimester due to increased blood volume. Hb below 11 is anaemia, below 9 is moderate, and below 7 is severe and needs urgent treatment. All pregnant women in India are advised iron and folic acid tablets.
How much does a hemoglobin test cost in Bhopal?
Hemoglobin test cost in Bhopal is ₹100 to ₹250; a full CBC costs ₹150–₹500. At R.K. Hospital, Indrapuri, Hb reports are ready within an hour. Call 0755-4260605.
Related Tests & Guides
Hindi mein samjheinHemoglobin Kam Hone Ke Lakshan: Hb Low Report Mein Kab Doctor Ko Dikhayein?Get Done at R.K. Hospital
Same-day reports at our in-house pathology lab in Indrapuri, Bhopal. Call, WhatsApp, or walk in; our doctors will explain your report.
226, C-Sector, Indrapuri, Raisen Road, Bhopal (M.P.) 462022 · Directions & timings · 24x7 Emergency
Disclaimer: The normal ranges provided are general reference values. Actual reference ranges may vary between laboratories. Always consult your doctor for interpretation of your test results. This page is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
Get Tested at R.K. Hospital
Hemoglobin (Hb) Test available with same-day reports. Walk-in or book an appointment.
Call: 0755-4260605Get DirectionsQuick Reference
- Test Name
- Hemoglobin (Hb) Test
- Fasting Required
- No
- Cost in Bhopal
- ₹100 – ₹250
- Report Time
- Same day
Other Lab Test Guides
- CBC Test (Complete Blood Count) Normal Range
- Thyroid Test (TSH, T3, T4) Normal Range
- Liver Function Test (LFT) Normal Range
- Kidney Function Test (KFT/RFT) Normal Range
- Lipid Profile (Cholesterol Test) Normal Range
- HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) Normal Range
R.K. Hospital Lab
226, C-Sector, Indrapuri, Raisen Road, Bhopal (M.P.) 462022In-house pathology lab with automated analysers. All blood tests, urine tests, and diagnostic imaging under one roof.