Free & Bioavailable Testosterone Calculator (Vermeulen)

If you’ve had blood tests for testosterone, you’ve probably only been given a total testosterone result. But total T doesn’t always tell the full story.

Our free & bioavailable testosterone calculator uses your total testosterone, SHBG and albumin to estimate the amount of hormone that is actually available for your body to use – calculated using the Vermeulen equation, in line with UK (PCTAG/BSSM) practice.

Important: This tool is for information only and doesn’t replace a consultation with a qualified doctor. Never start, stop or change testosterone treatment based on an online calculator alone.

How to use the free testosterone calculator

1. Enter your albumin

• Use the value from your lab report (usually in g/L).
• If your result is in g/dL, you can switch the unit in the dropdown.

2. Enter your SHBG (nmol/L)

• This is usually labelled “SHBG” or “Sex Hormone Binding Globulin” on your report.

3. Enter your total testosterone

• Choose the correct unit (nmol/L, ng/dL or ng/mL) that matches your lab report.
• The calculator automatically converts everything into nmol/L for you.

4. Click “Calculate Free & Bioavailable T”

You’ll see:
• Free testosterone (nmol/L)
• Bioavailable testosterone (nmol/L)
• Free T % and bioavailable T % of your total testosterone

nmol/L

Your Hormone Analysis

Free Testosterone
Calculated free testosterone using the Vermeulen equation (aligned with PCTAG/BSSM practice).
Free testosterone as a percentage of total: --%
-- nmol/L
Bioavailable Testosterone
Calculated bioavailable testosterone (free + albumin-bound fraction).
Bioavailable testosterone as a percentage of total: --%
-- nmol/L

This calculator uses the Vermeulen method for educational purposes only and does not replace personalised medical advice. Always interpret results with a qualified clinician.

Total vs free vs bioavailable testosterone – what’s the difference?

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This is the number most labs report. It includes:

  • Testosterone is tightly bound to SHBG
  • Testosterone is loosely bound to albumin
  • A small fraction of free (unbound) testosterone

Total testosterone is useful, but it doesn’t show how much hormone is actually available to your tissues.

Free testosterone

Free testosterone is the unbound fraction of testosterone circulating in the blood. It:

  • Can move easily into cells
  • Binds directly to androgen receptors
  • Is often more closely related to symptoms than total T alone in some men

Our calculator estimates free testosterone using the Vermeulen equation, taking SHBG and albumin into account.

Bioavailable testosterone

Bioavailable testosterone is: Free testosterone + albumin-bound testosterone

Albumin holds testosterone relatively loosely, so this portion is still considered available for use by the body. Many clinicians look at bioavailable T alongside total and free testosterone when assessing androgen status.

Order Your Home Testosterone Test Kit Today

Don’t ignore the symptoms of low testosterone. Our home test kit is the first step to getting answers and taking back control of your health. Order online today and start your TRT journey with Men’s Medical Clinic Leeds.

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Still Have Questions?

If you're unsure, have symptoms you're worried about, or want to ask about specific treatment options, you can book a free 15-minute call directly with Dr Areeb Mazhar. No pressure, no obligation — just clear answers from a doctor who specialises in men's health.

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Important limitations & safety information

While an online testosterone calculator is useful, there are important caveats:

  • Results depend entirely on the accuracy of your lab tests and the units you enter.
  • The calculator does not take into account your symptoms, medical history, other hormones, medications, or lab variation.
  • It is not a diagnostic tool and should not be used to start, stop or change testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).
  • “Normal” ranges vary between labs, age groups and clinical guidelines.

If your results are borderline or confusing, you should speak to a doctor who understands male hormones and can interpret them in context.

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