Beta HCG Calculator – Pregnancy Hormone Level Interpretation
Interpret Beta HCG levels and estimate gestational age
This calculator provides estimates for educational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis. HCG levels vary significantly between individuals. Always consult with your healthcare provider or obstetrician for proper interpretation of lab results and pregnancy assessment.
Table of Contents
How to Use
- Enter your Beta HCG level from blood test results
- Level is measured in mIU/mL (milli-International Units per milliliter)
- Click calculate to see interpretation and estimated gestational age
- Compare with typical ranges for weeks of pregnancy
What is Beta HCG?
Beta human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) is a hormone produced by the placenta during pregnancy. It can be detected in blood as early as 6-8 days after conception, making it the basis for both blood and urine pregnancy tests.
In early pregnancy, HCG levels typically double every 48-72 hours, reaching peak levels between 8-11 weeks of pregnancy before declining and leveling off for the remainder of pregnancy.
Normal HCG Levels by Week
| Weeks from LMP | HCG Range (mIU/mL) |
|---|---|
| 3 weeks | 5 - 50 |
| 4 weeks | 5 - 426 |
| 5 weeks | 18 - 7,340 |
| 6 weeks | 1,080 - 56,500 |
| 7-8 weeks | 7,650 - 229,000 |
| 9-12 weeks | 25,700 - 288,000 |
| 13-16 weeks | 13,300 - 254,000 |
| 17-24 weeks | 4,060 - 165,400 |
| 25-40 weeks | 3,640 - 117,000 |
Note: Weeks are calculated from Last Menstrual Period (LMP). These ranges are approximate and can vary significantly between individuals.
HCG Doubling Time
In viable pregnancies, HCG levels typically double every 48-72 hours in early pregnancy. The doubling time can vary:
- HCG levels below 1,200: Double every 48-72 hours
- HCG levels 1,200-6,000: Double every 72-96 hours
- HCG levels above 6,000: Doubling slows to every 96+ hours
- After 10-12 weeks: HCG levels plateau and may decline
Factors Affecting HCG Levels
- Multiple gestations (twins, triplets) have higher HCG levels
- Molar pregnancy can cause very high HCG levels
- Ectopic pregnancy may show slower HCG rise
- Miscarriage typically shows declining or plateauing HCG
- Individual variation is significant - ranges are wide
- Laboratory methods can vary between facilities
Frequently Asked Questions
- What HCG level confirms pregnancy?
- HCG levels above 25 mIU/mL are generally considered positive for pregnancy. However, levels below 5 are considered negative, and levels between 5-25 are borderline and require repeat testing.
- Why might my HCG level be different from the typical range?
- HCG levels vary significantly between individuals. Factors include timing of implantation, multiple gestations, calculation errors in gestational age, or individual variation. The trend over time (doubling every 48-72 hours) is more important than a single value.
- Can HCG levels predict pregnancy viability?
- While HCG levels and doubling time can provide clues, they cannot definitively predict pregnancy outcome. Ultrasound confirmation of a gestational sac and fetal heartbeat are more reliable indicators of viability.
- When should I get my HCG levels checked?
- Your healthcare provider may order HCG testing if you have symptoms of early pregnancy, to confirm pregnancy, monitor early pregnancy progress, or investigate suspected complications like ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage.
Related Calculators
health
Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) Calculator
health
Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) Calculator