Total protein: normal range, high and low

In shortThe normal range is 6.5–8.1 g/dL (65–81 g/L). Low values point to nutrition, liver, or kidney problems; high values to inflammation or blood cancers.

Reference ranges

Group	Reference range
Adults	6.5–8.1 g/dL (65–81 g/L)

Normal value ranges vary slightly among laboratories. Total protein measurements may be increased during pregnancy.

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

The total protein test measures the combined amount of two classes of proteins in the fluid portion of the blood: albumin and globulins. Albumin keeps fluid from leaking out of blood vessels and carries chemicals through the blood; globulins are an important part of the immune system. Proteins are essential parts of all cells and tissues.

The test is often done to investigate nutritional problems, kidney disease, or liver disease, and the report usually comes with the albumin-to-globulin (A/G) ratio. A low A/G ratio can be caused by autoimmune disease such as lupus, by liver disease including cirrhosis, or by kidney disease; a high ratio can accompany certain genetic disorders or leukemia.

If total protein is abnormal, more tests follow to find the exact cause — the total value shows that something is off, but not which protein class is responsible. Protein electrophoresis is the test that separates the classes in detail.

Blood is drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. Many medicines can interfere with the result, so bring the full list of what you take; your provider will say if anything should be paused.

When it is high

Chronic inflammation or infectionLong-running inflammatory and infectious diseases — including HIV and hepatitis B or C — raise the globulin fraction and with it the total.

Multiple myelomaThis blood cancer produces large amounts of a single antibody protein, pushing total protein up.

Waldenström diseaseAnother condition of abnormal antibody production that increases total protein.

When it is low

Liver diseaseThe liver makes albumin and many other blood proteins, so liver disease lowers the total.

Kidney protein lossNephrotic syndrome and glomerulonephritis let protein escape into the urine; bleeding (hemorrhage) and extensive burns lose protein directly.

Malnutrition and malabsorptionWhen the body does not get or cannot absorb enough protein — including protein-losing enteropathy — there is too little raw material to maintain blood protein.

AgammaglobulinemiaA shortage of antibody-producing capacity lowers the globulin fraction.

What can skew the result

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

Pregnancy (can raise the measurement)Many medicines

How to prepare

Many medicines can interfere with the result. Your provider will tell you if any medicine should be paused before the test; do not stop or change medicines on your own.

When a retest makes sense

An abnormal total is followed by tests that find the exact cause — typically the albumin and globulin split with the A/G ratio, and protein electrophoresis when a closer look is needed.

Who usually reviews this result

A result outside the reference range is usually reviewed by: your GP or primary care doctor; a gastroenterologist or nephrologist depending on the suspected cause. Bring your lab report and any previous results to the appointment.

Names used on lab reports

Your report may use any of these names:
Total proteinTotal serum proteinTPTotal protein with A/G ratio

Units and conversion

Measured in: g/dL

g/dL = g/L

g/dL × 10 = g/L. Example: 7.0 g/dL = 70 g/L. Results are rounded to 2 decimal places.

Several markers on your report?

See how MedProtect explains results in the app: the whole report, a check of the recognized values, and a clear breakdown.

Get your results explained See an example

Frequently asked questions

What is the A/G ratio?

The albumin-to-globulin ratio compares the two protein classes. A low ratio can come from autoimmune disease such as lupus, liver disease including cirrhosis, or kidney disease; a high ratio can accompany certain genetic disorders or leukemia.

Can pregnancy change the result?

Yes. Total protein measurements may be increased during pregnancy, so the stage of life matters when the number is read.

Does a low total protein mean I eat too little protein?

Not necessarily. Malnutrition is one cause, but liver disease, kidney protein loss, bleeding, burns, and malabsorption also lower the total. The follow-up tests separate them.

Sources

Total Protein and Albumin/Globulin (A/G) Ratio: MedlinePlus Medical Test — MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine. Accessed: August 29, 2026.
Total protein: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia — MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine. Accessed: August 29, 2026.

Total protein