Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to your bodys organs and tissues and transports carbon dioxide from your organs and tissues back to your lungs. A hemoglobin test measures the amount of hemoglobin in your blood. The normal range for hemoglobin varies depending on age, sex, and other factors. Here are some examples of normal ranges:

• For men: 13.2 to 16.6 grams per deciliter (g/dL)
• For women: 11.6 to 15 grams per deciliter (g/dL)
• For men: 13.8 to 17.2 g/dL or 138 to 172 grams per liter (g/L)
• For women: 12.1 to 15.1 g/dL or 121 to 151 g/L
• For men: 14.0 to 17.5 g/dL
• For women: 12.3 to 15.3 g/dL

If a hemoglobin test reveals that your hemoglobin level is lower than normal, it means you have a low red blood cell count (anemia). Anemia can have many different causes, including vitamin deficiencies, bleeding, and chronic diseases. If a hemoglobin test shows a higher than normal level, there are several potential causes, such as the blood disorder polycythemia vera, living at a high altitude, smoking, and dehydration. If youre experiencing weakness, fatigue, shortness of breath, or dizziness, your doctor may suggest a hemoglobin test to diagnose anemia or other medical conditions. If youve been diagnosed with anemia or polycythemia vera, your doctor may use a hemoglobin test to monitor your condition and guide treatment.