A normal A1c is under 5.7%. An A1c of 5.7% to 6.4% is prediabetes, and 6.5% or higher is in the diabetes range, according to the American Diabetes Association. These ranges are the same for adults of any age, women and men. A1c shows roughly your average blood sugar over the past 3 months.
Type or slide your A1c to see where it falls. The gauge starts at 5.7%, where prediabetes begins.
Where do you fall?
| Band | A1c (%) | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| NormalBelow the prediabetes range. | Under 5.7 | Below the prediabetes range. |
| PrediabetesHigher than normal; often brought down with habits. | 5.7 to 6.4 | Higher than normal; often brought down with habits. |
| Diabetes rangeA doctor confirms it with a second test. | 6.5 or more | A doctor confirms it with a second test. |
What does your A1c mean?
A1c (also called hemoglobin A1c or HbA1c) measures how much sugar is stuck to your red blood cells. Because those cells live about 3 months, A1c reflects your average blood sugar over that time. 1
You don’t need to fast for an A1c, and one meal doesn’t change it. That makes it a steady number to track. 1
The bands don’t change with age or sex: under 5.7% is normal for every adult. People who already have diabetes often have a personal goal, such as under 7%, set with their doctor. 1
Some conditions can make A1c read higher or lower than your true average, such as anemia, recent blood loss, some inherited hemoglobin types, pregnancy and kidney disease. If your A1c doesn’t match other results, ask about a different test. 1
In Checkup Score, blood sugar is graded, so every tenth of a point counts. An A1c of 5.3% or lower counts as 100 of 100, 5.5% as 95, 5.7% as 80 and 6.0% as 70.
What moves your A1c?
Weight loss and activity move A1c the most for people with prediabetes, and medicine can help too. Here are the main levers, biggest effect first.
- Losing 5% to 7% of your body weight, if you have extra weight, can lower your risk of type 2 diabetes. 2
- At least 150 minutes a week of moderate activity, such as brisk walking. 2
- A structured lifestyle program for prediabetes lowered the risk of type 2 diabetes by 58% in the original study. 2
- Eating fewer sugary drinks and refined carbs, and more vegetables, beans and whole grains. 1
- Medicine, such as metformin, which doctors sometimes add for people with prediabetes at higher risk. 1
How often should you check your A1c?
With a normal result, the ADA suggests rechecking at least every 3 years. 1
With prediabetes, check at least once a year. 1
With diabetes, check at least twice a year if you’re meeting your goal, and every 3 months if your treatment changes or you aren’t at goal. 1
See where you stand, free
Add your numbers and get one score out of 100, for you and everyone you look after, with the next step that matters most.
Get my free scoreFree · We never sell your data · Delete anytime
Get this test
Hemoglobin A1c · Average blood sugar over about three months. List price $22.95 plus a $12.95 lab visit fee, as of October 31, 2026.
Order at Ulta Lab TestsDrawn at a lab near you. Often covered by insurance when your doctor orders it. Ask at your next visit.
Ulta Lab Tests doesn’t serve New York, New Jersey or Rhode Island. Options there: BioReference Direct (NY, NJ) or Everlywell.
Common questions
What is a normal A1c by age?
A normal A1c is under 5.7% for adults of every age. The ADA doesn’t set higher normal ranges for older adults. What can change with age is the treatment goal for people who already have diabetes. Some older adults with other health conditions are given a less strict goal by their doctor, to avoid low blood sugar.
What is a good A1c?
A good A1c for someone without diabetes is under 5.7%. For people who have diabetes, a common goal is under 7%, but your doctor may set a different goal based on your health. A1c of 5.7% to 6.4% is prediabetes.
Is A1c different for women and men?
No. The A1c ranges are the same for women and men: under 5.7% is normal, 5.7% to 6.4% is prediabetes, and 6.5% or higher is in the diabetes range. Pregnancy is the main exception, because A1c reads differently and the goals are stricter. If you’re pregnant, follow your care team’s advice.
What does an A1c chart show?
An A1c chart shows your A1c next to an estimated average blood sugar. For example, 5.7% is about 117 mg/dL, 6% is about 126 mg/dL, and 7% is about 154 mg/dL. The chart is an estimate. Your daily readings can run higher or lower than the average.
Do I need to fast for an A1c test?
No. An A1c test doesn’t need fasting, because it reflects your blood sugar over about 3 months, not just today. That’s one reason doctors like it. It is often ordered together with a lipid panel. Ask whether you need to fast for any other tests drawn at the same time.
Related
Sources
- Standards of Care in Diabetes—2026. American Diabetes Association, 2026.
- Preventing Type 2 Diabetes. CDC, 2024.
This is information, not medical advice. It doesn’t replace your clinician. In an emergency, call 911.