cbc · HCT · Hct
Hematocrit
The percentage of blood volume made up of red blood cells. It tracks closely with hemoglobin — low values point to anemia, high values to dehydration or increased red cell production.
This page is general wellness education, not medical advice. Your own lab’s reference range and your clinician’s interpretation always take precedence.
Typical reference range
| Group | General range |
|---|---|
| Men | 40 – 54 % |
| Women | 36 – 48 % |
Units: %. Ranges vary by lab and assay — read yours against the range printed on your own report.
What high Hematocrit can mean
- Dehydration
- Smoking
- Living at altitude
- Polycythemia
What low Hematocrit can mean
- Anemia (iron/B12/folate)
- Blood loss
- Overhydration
- Chronic disease