MCV normal range — check your value
Mean corpuscular volume, the average size of your red blood cells. It tells the doctor what kind of anaemia to look for.
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Which test?
Type the test name printed on your report (SGPT, TSH, Vitamin D).
About you
Your MCV test value
Copy it exactly as printed in your report
What MCV measures
The average size of a red blood cell, which narrows down the likely cause of an anaemia.
MCV normal range chart
These bands are for female, 31–45 years. Enter your age and gender above to see the bands for you. The table below shows the range for every age and gender.
MCV normal range by age and gender
What a high MCV means, and common causes
Red cells are larger than usual, called macrocytic. This is one of the most useful pointers to the cause of an anaemia.
Common causes: Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency, alcohol use, hypothyroidism, liver disease, some medicines including metformin and anti-epileptics, and marrow disorders.
What a low MCV means, and common causes
Red cells are smaller than usual, called microcytic, which narrows the cause of anaemia considerably.
Common causes: Iron deficiency is the commonest, followed by thalassaemia trait, which is common across India. Also anaemia of chronic disease and, rarely, lead exposure.
Frequently asked questions
Please note. This page explains what a number means against reference ranges for your age and gender. It does not diagnose anything, cannot see the rest of your report, and is no substitute for a doctor. If your lab’s printed range differs, your lab’s range applies.