IFCC is the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine. Its method reports HbA1c as millimoles of glycated haemoglobin per mole of haemoglobin, written mmol/mol. The older NGSP (or DCCT) scale gives the same result as a percentage. Australian labs have printed both since 2011, which is why you see two HbA1c numbers.
% = mmol/mol ÷ 10.929 + 2.15
HbA1c conversion chart
mmol/mol
%
Avg glucose (mmol/L)
Band
20
4.0
3.7
Optimal
26
4.5
4.6
Optimal
30
4.9
5.2
Optimal
34
5.3
5.8
Optimal
35
5.4
5.9
Non-diabetic, above optimal
38
5.6
6.4
Non-diabetic, above optimal
40
5.8
6.6
Non-diabetic, above optimal
42
6.0
6.9
Prediabetes range
44
6.2
7.2
Prediabetes range
46
6.4
7.5
Prediabetes range
48
6.5
7.8
Diabetes range
50
6.7
8.1
Diabetes range
53
7.0
8.5
Diabetes range
58
7.5
9.3
Diabetes range
64
8.0
10.1
Diabetes range
75
9.0
11.7
Diabetes range
Bands use the rounded mmol/mol result. The optimal band is what we aim for to support long-term health, not a diagnostic cut-off.
Estimated average glucose
Some reports also print an "average glucose value for the last 3 months". It comes from the ADAG study (Nathan and colleagues, 2008), which compared HbA1c with continuous glucose readings in 507 adults. Two people with the same HbA1c can have quite different days, which a continuous glucose monitor shows.
When HbA1c can mislead
Iron deficiency can push it up.
Recent blood loss, a transfusion, or shorter red cell life can push it down.
Some haemoglobin variants affect certain lab methods.
Pregnancy and advanced kidney disease change how it is read.
When to see your GP
See your GP if your HbA1c is 42 mmol/mol (6.0%) or above, or you have increased thirst, are passing more urine, or have tiredness or blurred vision. This converter supports preventive health. It doesn't diagnose prediabetes or diabetes.
Questions people ask
What does HbA1c IFCC mean on my blood test?
IFCC stands for the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine. An HbA1c result marked IFCC is reported in mmol/mol. Australian labs usually print the same result as a percentage (NGSP or DCCT %) as well, so 48 mmol/mol and 6.5% describe the same level.
What is a normal HbA1c in Australia?
Below 42 mmol/mol (6.0%) is in the non-diabetic range. 42 to 47 mmol/mol (6.0 to 6.4%) is the prediabetes range, and 48 mmol/mol (6.5%) or above is used to help diagnose diabetes. Vively's optimal range is 20 to 34 mmol/mol (4.0 to 5.3%). It is the range we aim for to support long-term health, not a diagnostic cut-off.
What is 38 mmol/mol as a percentage?
38 mmol/mol is 5.6%, with an estimated average glucose of about 6.4 mmol/L. That is in the non-diabetic range, but above the 20 to 34 mmol/mol (4.0 to 5.3%) range we aim for.
How do I convert HbA1c from % to mmol/mol?
Subtract 2.15 from the percentage, then multiply by 10.929. For example, (6.5 − 2.15) × 10.929 = 47.5, which labs report as 48 mmol/mol. To go the other way, divide mmol/mol by 10.929 and add 2.15.
Do I need to fast for an HbA1c test?
Not for HbA1c itself, because it reflects the past two to three months rather than your last meal. If fasting glucose or insulin are being measured in the same blood draw, as they are in the Baseline Health Check, you still need to fast.
More calculators
Sources
Hoelzel W, et al. IFCC reference system for measurement of hemoglobin A1c in human blood and the national standardization schemes in the United States, Japan, and Sweden. Clinical Chemistry. 2004;50(1):166-174.
Nathan DM, et al. Translating the A1C assay into estimated average glucose values. Diabetes Care. 2008;31(8):1473-1478.
Diabetes Australia and RACGP. Management of type 2 diabetes: a handbook for general practice.
Vively is a general wellness platform and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information, insights or guidance offered through our app, website, programs, or coaches is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice or care. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making any health-related decisions.
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands where we live and work, the Gadigal of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
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