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Ferritin & Iron Studies: normal range & what your result means
Ferritin reflects your body’s iron stores and is the best single test for iron deficiency — the commonest cause of anaemia worldwide.
Typical adult reference range
| Measure | Range |
|---|---|
| Ferritin (men) | 30–400 ng/mL |
| Ferritin (women) | 15–150 ng/mL |
| Serum iron | 60–170 µg/dL |
| Transferrin saturation | 20–50% |
What a HIGH result can mean
- High ferritin can reflect inflammation or infection, iron overload, or liver disease
What a LOW result can mean
- Low ferritin = low iron stores (iron-deficiency), causing tiredness, pallor and hair thinning
Ranges vary by lab. Reference ranges are TYPICAL ADULT values and vary by laboratory, age, sex, pregnancy and the method used. Always read your result against the range printed on YOUR report, and let your doctor interpret it alongside your history.
Frequently asked questions
What does low ferritin mean?
It means your iron stores are low — the earliest sign of iron deficiency, often before anaemia appears. Causes include poor intake, heavy periods and gut blood loss.
Can ferritin be high without high iron?
Yes — ferritin also rises with inflammation or infection (it is an "acute-phase" marker), so a high value is interpreted alongside CRP and iron studies.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.