Iron (serum): normal range, high and low

In shortCommon reference values are 59–158 mcg/dL (10.6–28.3 µmol/L) for men and 37–145 mcg/dL (6.6–25.9 µmol/L) for women.

Reference ranges

Group	Reference range
Men	59–158 mcg/dL (10.6–28.3 µmol/L)
Women	37–145 mcg/dL (6.6–25.9 µmol/L)
TIBC, men	171–505 mcg/dL (30.6–90.3 µmol/L)
TIBC, women	149–492 mcg/dL (26.7–88.0 µmol/L)
Iron saturation, men / women	20–50% / 15–45%

Normal value ranges vary slightly among laboratories, and some labs test different samples. The level changes with recently ingested iron — morning or fasting measurement is the standard.

Check your value

Enter the number from your lab report — see how it compares with the typical range. Mind the units shown in the chosen row.

A rough comparison with a typical range, not a diagnosis. Reference ranges vary between laboratories — check the range on your own report and let a clinician interpret the result.

What this marker is

A serum iron test measures how much iron is circulating in the blood. Iron is the mineral the body uses to make healthy red blood cells, which carry oxygen to the tissues. Providers order the test for signs of iron deficiency, signs of too much iron, or anemia caused by a chronic disease.

Serum iron is one moment in a moving picture: the level changes depending on how recently you ingested iron. That is why the test is usually scheduled in the morning or after fasting, and why it is read together with its companions — total iron binding capacity (TIBC), the share of transferrin saturated with iron, and ferritin, which reflects the stored iron.

Results are reported in micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dL); in micromoles per liter (µmol/L) in many countries. The TIBC and saturation values travel with serum iron on the same report: TIBC runs 171–505 mcg/dL (30.6–90.3 µmol/L) in men and 149–492 mcg/dL (26.7–88.0 µmol/L) in women, and iron saturation 20–50% in men and 15–45% in women.

A longer list of medicines can affect this test than most: antibiotics, birth control pills and estrogens, blood pressure medicines, cholesterol medicines, deferoxamine, gout medicines, and testosterone. Tell the provider about everything you take; none of them should be stopped without that conversation.

When it is high

HemochromatosisToo much iron in the body — the classic iron-overload condition — raises serum iron.

Hemolytic anemiaWhen red blood cells are destroyed too quickly, their iron is released into the blood.

Liver diseaseLiver tissue death and hepatitis release stored iron into the circulation.

Iron poisoningAn overdose of iron, for example from supplements, can drive the level dangerously high.

Frequent blood transfusionsEach transfusion adds iron, and repeated ones can overload the body.

When it is low

Blood lossLong-term digestive tract bleeding and heavy menstrual bleeding drain iron stores over time.

Not enough iron in the dietWhen intake falls short of need, the circulating level falls.

Poor absorptionIntestinal conditions that impair iron absorption cut the supply even with an adequate diet.

PregnancyThe growing need for iron in pregnancy commonly lowers the measured level.

What can skew the result

These factors can shift the value without any disease — worth considering before a retest:

Recently ingested iron (morning or fasting draw)AntibioticsBirth control pills and estrogensBlood pressure, cholesterol, and gout medicines; testosterone; deferoxamine

How to prepare

The test is usually done in the morning or after fasting, because recently ingested iron changes the level. Many medicines affect the result; your provider will tell you if any should be paused — do not stop any medicine on your own.

When a retest makes sense

Because the level swings with recent intake, an abnormal result is confirmed in the morning or fasting state and read together with TIBC, iron saturation, and ferritin before any conclusion.

Who usually reviews this result

A result outside the reference range is usually reviewed by: your GP or primary care doctor; a hematologist if an iron disorder is suspected. Bring your lab report and any previous results to the appointment.

Names used on lab reports

Your report may use any of these names:
IronSerum ironFeFerrous ionFerric ion

Units and conversion

Measured in: mcg/dL

mcg/dL = µmol/L

mcg/dL × 0.179 = µmol/L. Example: 100 mcg/dL = 17.9 µmol/L. Results are rounded to 2 decimal places.

Several markers on your report?

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Frequently asked questions

How is serum iron different from ferritin?

Serum iron measures iron circulating in the blood right now; ferritin reflects the iron stored in the body. Serum iron swings with recent meals, which is why the two are read together with TIBC and saturation.

Why does the draw have to be in the morning?

The serum iron level changes depending on how recently you ingested iron, so morning or fasting measurement keeps results comparable. Your provider will set the exact instruction.

Can iron be too high?

Yes. Hemochromatosis, hemolytic anemia, liver disease, iron poisoning, and frequent blood transfusions all raise serum iron — overload is as much a diagnosis trigger as deficiency.

Sources

Iron Tests: MedlinePlus Medical Test — MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine. Accessed: August 29, 2026.
Serum iron test: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia — MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine. Accessed: August 29, 2026.

Iron (serum)