Estimated Average Glucose (eAG) Calculator
Convert your HbA1c to average blood glucose β understand what your A1c means in everyday terms
HbA1c to Daily Glucose
Your HbA1c reflects average blood glucose over 2-3 months (the lifespan of red blood cells). The eAG conversion, developed from the ADAG Study, translates this percentage into familiar glucose units, making it easier to connect lab values with daily monitoring.
Estimated Average Glucose (eAG) converts your HbA1c percentage into an estimated average blood glucose level. The formula, derived from the landmark ADAG (A1c-Derived Average Glucose) Study, provides a direct translation:
eAG (mg/dL) = 28.7 Γ HbA1c β 46.7
The ADAG study followed 507 participants for 3 months, comparing continuous glucose monitoring data with HbA1c levels. This established a reliable mathematical relationship allowing patients and clinicians to discuss glucose control in more intuitive terms.
Unlike a single fasting glucose reading, eAG represents the average of all glucose levels β including post-meal spikes, overnight dips, and daily variations β providing a comprehensive picture of overall glucose management.
eAG Interpretation
eAG interpretation aligns with HbA1c targets. Different health contexts may have different optimal ranges:
ADA diagnostic criteria for diabetes and prediabetes
Standard Medical
| Range | Category | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| < 117 mg/dL | Normal | A1c <5.7% β Normal glucose metabolism |
| 117β137 mg/dL | Prediabetes | A1c 5.7β6.4% β Elevated risk, lifestyle intervention recommended |
| > 140 mg/dL | Diabetes | A1c β₯6.5% β Diabetes diagnosis threshold |
Targets from large-scale epidemiological studies for prevention
Research Consensus
| Range | Category | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| < 100 mg/dL | Optimal | A1c <5.1% β Excellent metabolic health, minimal insulin demand |
| 100β111 mg/dL | Good | A1c 5.1β5.5% β Good control, room for optimization |
| > 111 mg/dL | Elevated | A1c >5.5% β Early metabolic dysfunction even if "normal" by standards |
Expected values with carbohydrate restriction (may see lower A1c)
Metabolic Optimization
| Range | Category | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| < 90 mg/dL | Excellent | A1c <4.8% β Common with strict low-carb, excellent glucose stability |
| 90β100 mg/dL | Expected | A1c 4.8β5.1% β Typical well-adapted low-carb range |
| > 100 mg/dL | Investigate | A1c >5.1% β Higher than expected on strict keto, check compliance or other factors |
Learn more about adaptive glucose sparing and glucose metabolism
Track Your Glucose Trends
Frequently Asked Questions
- Nathan DM, Kuenen J, Borg R, Zheng H, Schoenfeld D, Heine RJ; A1c-Derived Average Glucose Study Group. Translating the A1C assay into estimated average glucose values. Diabetes Care. 31(8):1473-1478. 2008. PMID: 18540046
- American Diabetes Association. Standards of Medical Care in Diabetesβ2024. Diabetes Care. 47(Suppl 1):S1-S321. 2024. PMID: 38078586
- Sacks DB, Arnold M, Bakris GL, et al. Guidelines and recommendations for laboratory analysis in the diagnosis and management of diabetes mellitus. Diabetes Care. 46(10):e151-e199. 2023. PMID: 37471273
Medical Disclaimer
The eAG (Estimated Average Glucose) calculator provided on Metabolicum is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
Last updated: December 2025