QUICKI Calculator

Input Fasting Insulin	10 µIU/mL
Input Fasting Glucose	100 mg/dL

What the QUICKI Calculator Does

QUICKI stands for Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index. It is a simple mathematical index used by researchers and clinicians (globally, with reference ranges based on US/international studies reported in µIU/mL and mg/dL) to estimate how sensitive your body is to insulin from a single fasting blood sample. This calculator turns two routine lab values into one easy-to-read number, then tells you whether your result suggests high, normal, or low insulin sensitivity.

The Two Inputs You Need

Fasting Insulin (µIU/mL) — your insulin level after at least 8 hours without eating.
Fasting Glucose (mg/dL) — your blood sugar measured at the same fasting time.

Both values must come from a true fasting sample for the result to be meaningful. The calculator does not require weight, age, or any other field — just these two numbers.

The Formula Explained

QUICKI is calculated from the base-10 logarithms of your two values:

$$\text{QUICKI} = \frac{1}{\log_{10}\!\left(\text{Fasting Insulin}\right) + \log_{10}\!\left(\text{Fasting Glucose}\right)}$$

Because the logarithms sit in the denominator, higher insulin and glucose levels produce a larger denominator and therefore a lower QUICKI — which signals poorer insulin sensitivity. A higher QUICKI score means better sensitivity.

The calculator then interprets the result:

Above 0.45 — High insulin sensitivity
0.38 to 0.45 — Normal insulin sensitivity
Below 0.38 — Low insulin sensitivity (insulin resistance)

Diagram showing two lab inputs combined through logarithms into a single QUICKI score on a sensitivity scale — QUICKI combines fasting insulin and glucose via log transforms into one insulin-sensitivity index.

Worked Example

Suppose your fasting insulin is 10 µIU/mL and your fasting glucose is 90 mg/dL.

$\log_{10}(10) = 1.000$
$\log_{10}(90) = 1.954$
Sum = 2.954
$$\text{QUICKI} = \frac{1}{2.954} = 0.339$$

A QUICKI of 0.339 falls below 0.38, so this result would be flagged as low insulin sensitivity (insulin resistance).

Horizontal scale showing QUICKI values from low to high insulin sensitivity with a marker — Higher QUICKI values indicate greater insulin sensitivity; lower values suggest resistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is QUICKI the same as HOMA-IR? No. Both use fasting insulin and glucose, but QUICKI uses logarithms and yields a single sensitivity index, while HOMA-IR estimates resistance differently. QUICKI is often considered more linearly correlated with clamp studies.

Why do my units matter? This calculator expects insulin in µIU/mL and glucose in mg/dL. Using mmol/L for glucose or pmol/L for insulin will give an incorrect score, so convert first if your lab reports different units.

Can QUICKI diagnose diabetes? No. It is a screening and research estimate of insulin sensitivity, not a diagnostic test. Discuss any concerning result with your healthcare provider.