CBC Test (Complete Blood Count): Normal Ranges and What Results Mean
A plain language guide to your complete blood count (haemoglobin, white blood cells, platelets and more) with typical adult reference ranges and what high or low values can mean.
Medically reviewed by Doctoright Medical Review Panel · Written by Doctoright Editorial Team
Updated on · 3 min read
Key takeaways
- A CBC measures red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets: one of the most common blood tests ordered in India.
- Typical adult haemoglobin is about 13 to 17 g/dL in men and 12 to 15 g/dL in women; ranges differ slightly between labs.
- Normal platelets are about 1.5 to 4.5 lakh per microlitre; counts fall in infections such as dengue.
- A single out of range value is often minor: your doctor interprets the full picture alongside your symptoms.
The complete blood count (CBC) (sometimes called a complete haemogram) is one of the most frequently ordered blood tests. Doctors use it during routine checkups and to investigate tiredness, fever, infections, bleeding and many other symptoms.
No fasting is needed, and results usually come within a day.
Typical adult reference ranges
Reference ranges vary between labs, ages and altitudes. Always compare your result with the range printed on your report.
| Test | What it measures | Typical adult range |
|---|---|---|
| Haemoglobin (Hb) | Oxygen carrying protein in red cells | Men 13 to 17 g/dL; women 12 to 15 g/dL |
| Red blood cell (RBC) count | Number of red cells | Men 4.5 to 5.5 million/µL; women 3.8 to 4.8 million/µL |
| Haematocrit (HCT/PCV) | % of blood made up of red cells | Men 40 to 50%; women 36 to 46% |
| MCV | Average size of red cells | 80 to 100 fL |
| MCH | Haemoglobin per red cell | 27 to 32 pg |
| RDW | Variation in red cell size | 11.5 to 14.5% |
| White blood cell (WBC) count | Infection fighting cells | 4,000 to 11,000/µL |
| Platelet count | Cells that help blood clot | 1.5 to 4.5 lakh/µL (150,000 to 450,000/µL) |
Red blood cells and haemoglobin
Low haemoglobin means anaemia, which is extremely common in India, especially in women, children and adolescents. Symptoms include tiredness, breathlessness, pale skin and dizziness.
The red cell indices help find the cause:
- Low MCV (small cells): iron deficiency or thalassaemia trait.
- High MCV (large cells): vitamin B12 or folate deficiency (common in vegetarians), alcohol use, thyroid or liver problems.
High haemoglobin can occur with dehydration, smoking, living at high altitude or, rarely, bone marrow conditions.
White blood cells
The total WBC count and differential count (neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils) give clues about infection and inflammation.
- High WBC (leucocytosis): bacterial infections, inflammation, stress, steroids, or rarely blood cancers.
- Low WBC (leucopenia): viral infections such as dengue, some medicines, or bone marrow problems.
- High eosinophils: allergies, asthma or parasitic infections.
Platelets
- Low platelets (thrombocytopenia): common in dengue and other viral fevers, malaria, some medicines and immune conditions. Very low counts raise bleeding risk.
- High platelets (thrombocytosis): often a temporary reaction to infection, inflammation or iron deficiency.
Why the CBC is ordered
- routine health checkups
- fever, especially during the monsoon season: read about typhoid
- tiredness or suspected anaemia
- before surgery
- during pregnancy
- monitoring chronic conditions or treatments such as chemotherapy
Tips for accurate results
- Tell your doctor about all medicines and supplements.
- Stay well hydrated, as dehydration can falsely raise some values.
- Repeat tests at the same lab when tracking changes over time.
The bottom line
A CBC offers a snapshot of your blood health. Small deviations are common and often harmless: your doctor will interpret your results together with your symptoms and examination.
How we reviewed this article: 3 sources
Doctoright has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer reviewed studies, academic research institutions and medical associations. Learn more.
- MedlinePlus. Complete blood count (CBC).
- NHS. Blood tests.
- World Health Organization. Haemoglobin concentrations for the diagnosis of anaemia and assessment of severity. 2011.
Last medically reviewed on 1 October 2026. Originally published 10 July 2026.