TyG Index Calculator

The TyG (triglyceride-glucose) index is calculated from fasting triglycerides and glucose using the formula proposed by Simental-Mendía (2008):

TyG = ln[ triglycerides(mg/dL) × glucose(mg/dL) / 2 ]

Example: with triglycerides 150 mg/dL and glucose 100 mg/dL, TyG = ln(150 × 100 / 2) = ln(7500) ≈ 8.92. If your values are in mmol/L, the calculator converts them to mg/dL (triglycerides × 88.57; glucose × 18.02). Note: two variants of the formula circulate in the literature because of a typo in the original paper, so values and thresholds may be expressed around ~8 or ~4; this calculator uses the form with the division by 2 inside the logarithm.

The higher the index, the greater the likelihood of insulin resistance. As a rough guide only, some commonly cited thresholds for this form of the formula:

Important: there is no universal cut-off. Thresholds vary considerably by population, sex and age (often between ~8.3 and ~8.8 across studies) and depend on the formula variant used. The result is not a diagnosis and should be interpreted by a doctor alongside your other tests.

The TyG index is a surrogate marker of insulin resistance that, unlike HOMA-IR, does not require an insulin assay: it is calculated from two routine tests. High values are associated with metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes risk, fatty liver disease (MASLD) and cardiovascular risk.

For a broader picture you can also check your LDL cholesterol and your HOMA-IR index.

• You need triglycerides and glucose measured while fasting.
• Fast for 8–12 hours (water is allowed); triglycerides are particularly sensitive to meals.
• Have the blood drawn in the morning and avoid alcohol in the preceding 24 hours.
• Enter the values in the unit shown on your report (mg/dL or mmol/L).

• Lifestyle: regular physical activity, cutting simple sugars and fats, weight loss and not smoking improve both triglycerides and insulin sensitivity.
• Further tests: your doctor may request HbA1c, a full lipid panel or a liver ultrasound.

When to see a professional: consult a doctor if the index is high, if you have a family history of diabetes or cardiovascular disease, or if you are overweight. Only a doctor can make a diagnosis.

• It is a surrogate marker, not a direct measure of insulin resistance.
• The thresholds are not standardised and vary by population and formula variant.
• It is affected by conditions that alter triglycerides (recent meals, alcohol, some medications).
• It is a screening and research tool, not a diagnostic test.