By Zencalcy Editorial TeamLast reviewed About us
QUICKI is a fasting index of insulin sensitivity calculated from the logarithms of insulin and glucose. It was developed as a simpler alternative to clamp studies and tends to correlate with them across a range of body weights. This calculator returns the index and shows how each logarithm contributes.
Estimate insulin sensitivity with the QUICKI index.
QUICKI = 1 ÷ (log10(insulin µU/mL) + log10(glucose mg/dL))
Both inputs must be positive for the logarithms to exist. Glucose is converted to mg/dL before the calculation, and fasting samples are required. QUICKI is a research and screening index, not a clinical diagnosis.
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| insulin | Fasting insulin in µU/mL. |
| glucose | Fasting glucose in mg/dL. |
| QUICKI | Quantitative insulin sensitivity check index. |
log10(10) = 1 and log10(100) = 2, so QUICKI = 1 ÷ (1 + 2) = 0.333. With insulin 5 µU/mL and glucose 90 mg/dL, the logs are about 0.699 and 1.954, giving 1 ÷ 2.653 = 0.377.
Fasting insulin does not rise in a straight line as sensitivity falls. Early resistance may produce a large relative increase in insulin while glucose stays normal, and the relationship flattens at higher values. A logarithmic transformation makes that curved relationship easier to model and reduces the influence of very high insulin readings. QUICKI combines the transformed insulin and glucose into a single number that is usually between roughly 0.3 and 0.45 in adults, though the range varies by population and method. Because the index is derived from two routine fasting tests, it is practical for research and for adding context to a clinical picture. It should not be used alone to diagnose insulin resistance or to guide medication changes.
Continue with the Blood Sugar Converter, Estimated Average Glucose Calculator, or the A1c Calculator — or browse more diabetes tools and all health calculators.
A higher QUICKI indicates greater insulin sensitivity, while a lower value suggests reduced sensitivity. The index moves in the opposite direction to HOMA-IR, which rises with insulin resistance.
These tools convert or screen laboratory values using published formulas. They do not diagnose diabetes, insulin resistance or ketoacidosis, and they do not calculate an insulin dose. Laboratory methods vary; confirm results with the reporting lab and a clinician. DKA symptoms need urgent medical care.
Reference material used to build and check this calculator:
Last reviewed: September 2026. See how we build and check every tool on the about page.
Content updated: September 2026