A/G Ratio — What It Means in Your Blood Test
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This ratio compares your two main blood proteins to show how they balance against each other.
Your A/G Ratio sets one protein family against another as a simple comparison. That side-by-side view shows whether the two are sitting in their usual balance.
Also known as: Albumin/Globulin Ratio, Albumin to Globulin Ratio, A:G Ratio
This isn't a case where higher or lower is better. Your body keeps it in a narrow band, and both directions can matter.
Last reviewed: 2026-08-16
What is A/G Ratio?
The A/G ratio compares albumin with globulin. It shows the balance between the protein your liver makes and your immune proteins.
Why is A/G Ratio tested?
You have this test to compare albumin, which the liver makes, with globulin from your immune system.
What is a normal A/G Ratio range?
- India
- No India-specific national reference interval is published for this parameter; your lab's printed range is the most reliable comparison.
- Global
- 1.1–2.5
Ranges vary by lab, method and equipment — the range printed on your own report is the one that applies to your result.
Source: [CLSI, 2010]
What does your A/G Ratio value mean?
There is no widely-accepted set of value bands for this parameter. Compare your result with the reference range printed on your own report, and discuss it with your doctor.
What does a high A/G Ratio result mean?
A high ratio is often not meaningful on its own, but it can reflect low globulin.
What does a low A/G Ratio result mean?
A low ratio can mean less albumin or more globulin. It is worth discussing with your doctor.
What can affect your A/G Ratio result?
- Albumin level
- Globulin level
- How well your liver builds proteins
- How active your immune system is
- Hydration
Questions to ask your doctor
About this result
- What does my A/G Ratio result mean for me specifically, given my age and health?
- Is my A/G Ratio in the range that is right for me, not just the lab's general range?
What to do next
- Could anything I eat, do, or take have affected my protein balance ratio result?
- Is there anything I should do about my A/G Ratio, or is it fine to leave as it is?
About retesting
- Does my A/G Ratio need to be repeated, and if so, when?
- The typical range for A/G Ratio can vary between labs — should I compare my result against my own lab's printed range?
The bigger picture
- Should my A/G Ratio be looked at together with my Total Bilirubin and Direct Bilirubin result?
- Does my A/G Ratio connect to any condition I already have, or to anything I have noticed in how I feel?
Frequently asked questions
- What is A/G Ratio?
- The A/G ratio compares albumin with globulin. It shows the balance between the protein your liver makes and your immune proteins. You have this test to compare albumin, which the liver makes, with globulin from your immune system.
- What is a normal protein balance ratio range?
- A typical adult range is around 1.1–2.5. No India-specific national reference interval is published for this parameter; your lab's printed range is the most reliable comparison. Ranges vary by lab, method and equipment — the range printed on your own report is the one that applies to your result.
- What does a high A/G Ratio result mean?
- A high ratio is often not meaningful on its own, but it can reflect low globulin.
- What does a low A/G Ratio result mean?
- A low ratio can mean less albumin or more globulin. It is worth discussing with your doctor.
- What can affect your A/G Ratio result?
- Several everyday factors can influence it, including Albumin level, Globulin level, How well your liver builds proteins, How active your immune system is, Hydration.
Sources
- CLSI (2010) — EP28-A3c: Defining, Establishing, and Verifying Reference Intervals in the Clinical Laboratory
Part of the Liver Function
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