The Complete Picture of Your Metabolic Health
Metabolic dysfunction hides in 1 in 4 lean adults. Calculate TG/HDL, HOMA-IR, and WHtR to get the complete picture — not just what the mirror shows.
How It Works
Get meaningful insights about your metabolic health in three simple steps
Enter Your Values
Input numbers from your lab results or take a simple measurement at home
Get Instant Results
See your ratio with a color-coded risk assessment based on clinical research
Understand & Act
Get personalized insights and track your progress over time
Why These Metrics Matter
Traditional health screenings miss early metabolic dysfunction — and so does the mirror. Research shows 1 in 4 normal-weight adults have hidden insulin resistance. These three markers work together to reveal what weight alone can't show.
TG/HDL Ratio
Your lipid panel already contains this powerful marker — most doctors just don't calculate it. Research shows TG/HDL catches insulin resistance in lean individuals better than waist measurements, often years before blood sugar changes.
Optimal: Below 1.5 | Standard: Below 2.0
McLaughlin et al. and validated in non-obese populations
HOMA-IR Score
The most direct measure of insulin resistance. HOMA-IR detects metabolic dysfunction 10-20 years before glucose problems appear on standard tests — and catches the ~25% of lean people with hidden insulin resistance that body measurements miss entirely.
Optimal: Below 1.0 | Standard: Below 2.5
Validated against euglycemic clamp; r=0.82 correlation
Waist-to-Height Ratio
A simple tape measure reveals visceral fat risk — but with an important caveat. WHtR works well for people who are overweight, but misses insulin resistance in ~40% of lean individuals with hidden internal fat. Use WHtR as context, not confirmation.
Optimal: Below 0.5 | Verify with blood markers
Meta-analysis of 300,000+ participants (with noted limitations in lean populations)
All calculations are based on peer-reviewed research. We provide three interpretation frameworks — standard medical, optimal health, and keto/carnivore — because what's 'normal' depends on your goals.
See all 3 interpretations →Your Metabolic Toolkit
Start with these essential metrics to get a quick overview of your metabolic health
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Tell us what blood work you have available, and we'll show you which tools you can use today.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What calculators are available?
Metabolicum offers 9 metabolic calculators: TG/HDL Ratio, HOMA-IR, HOMA-B, QUICKI, WHtR (Waist-to-Height), Non-HDL Cholesterol, AIP (Atherogenic Index), Remnant Cholesterol, and eAG (Estimated Average Glucose). We also have micronutrient evaluators for Vitamin D, B12, Magnesium, Ferritin, and more. All tools are free to use.
Why do you show three different interpretations?
We provide Standard Medical, Optimal Health, and Ketogenic/Carnivore frameworks because 'normal' depends on your goals. Standard ranges show what's typical in the general population (which includes many unhealthy people). Optimal ranges reflect values associated with lowest disease risk. Ketogenic/Carnivore ranges show what's achievable when metabolic health is fully optimized. This helps you understand where you stand from multiple perspectives.
How do TG/HDL and HOMA-IR detect insulin resistance?
TG/HDL Ratio uses your lipid panel to estimate insulin resistance — optimal is below 1.5-2.0 depending on the framework. HOMA-IR directly measures insulin resistance using fasting glucose and insulin — optimal is below 1.0. Both catch metabolic dysfunction 10-20 years before blood sugar becomes abnormal. Research shows these markers identify the ~25% of lean people with hidden insulin resistance that body measurements miss.
Is waist-to-height ratio better than BMI?
Research suggests WHtR is a better predictor of cardiometabolic risk than BMI for many people. A meta-analysis of over 300,000 participants found WHtR more accurately identifies visceral fat accumulation. However, WHtR has limitations — it misses insulin resistance in ~40% of lean individuals. That's why we recommend combining WHtR with blood markers like TG/HDL or HOMA-IR for the complete picture.
How often should I check these metabolic markers?
For most adults, checking every 3-6 months allows you to track meaningful trends. WHtR can be measured anytime at home. Blood markers (TG/HDL, HOMA-IR, etc.) require fasting tests, typically done during annual physicals or more frequently if you're actively working on improving your metabolic health.
Do I need a blood test for all calculators?
No. WHtR only requires a tape measure. For the lipid calculators (TG/HDL, AIP, Non-HDL, Remnant-C), you need a standard lipid panel. For insulin-based calculators (HOMA-IR, HOMA-B, QUICKI), you need fasting glucose and fasting insulin. eAG requires HbA1c. Our quiz on the homepage helps you find which calculators match your available test results.
Are the calculations private and secure?
Yes. All calculations happen directly in your browser — your health data never leaves your device and is never sent to any server. We don't track, store, or share any of your health information. This privacy-first approach means you can use our calculators with complete confidence.
Can I use these calculators to diagnose a condition?
No. These calculators are educational tools designed to help you understand your metabolic health markers. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical condition. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment decisions.
What units do the calculators support?
Our calculators support both US (mg/dL) and international (mmol/L) units. For insulin, we support both μU/mL and pmol/L. For measurements, we support both imperial (inches) and metric (cm). The calculators automatically handle conversions, so you can enter values exactly as they appear on your lab results.