Free Testosterone blood test
The small share of testosterone not bound to proteins, which the body can use directly. Often calculated from total testosterone, SHBG and albumin.
- Typical range (adult men)
- 9–30 ng/dL
- Panel
- Hormones
- Also called
- Free T, Calculated free testosterone
Reference ranges vary between labs; use the range on your own report. Results need to be read by a doctor alongside your symptoms and other tests.
Why it’s tested
Total testosterone can look normal while free testosterone is low when SHBG is high, so the two are read together.
What can raise it
- Testosterone or anabolic steroid use
- Low SHBG
What can lower it
- High SHBG
- Low total testosterone
Getting an accurate result
- Test in the morning, especially for hormones, which run highest early in the day.
- Stay hydrated, and test at the same lab and time of day each time so results compare fairly.
Other hormones tests
Questions
What is a normal Free Testosterone level?
A typical adult male reference range is 9–30 ng/dL. Ranges differ for women, by age and between labs, so compare with the range printed on your report.
What does high Free Testosterone mean?
Common reasons include testosterone or anabolic steroid use and low SHBG. One result outside the range isn't a diagnosis: a doctor will look at it with your other markers and history.
What does low Free Testosterone mean?
Common reasons include high SHBG and low total testosterone.