MCV (mean corpuscular volume): what it means

By the pharmaranks editorial teamReviewed against MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) sourcesUpdated Jul 3, 2026How we research

What it measures

MCV (mean corpuscular volume) measures the average size of your red blood cells. It is usually reported as one part of a complete blood count (CBC).

Why it’s ordered

Clinicians order it to help check general health and to help evaluate anemia, especially when symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, dizziness, or headache are present. The MCV helps categorize anemia by red-cell size to guide further testing.

General reference range

MedlinePlus lists a general MCV normal value of roughly 79 to 95 femtoliters (fL), but this is only a general guide. Reference ranges vary by laboratory, age, sex, and measurement method, and some labs use different measurements or samples. The range printed on your own lab report is the one that applies to your result. A result outside the range does not by itself mean you have a medical problem.

If it’s high

A high MCV (larger-than-average red cells, called macrocytic) is a general finding, not a diagnosis, and this is not a complete list. It may be seen with vitamin B12 or folate (folic acid) deficiency, pernicious anemia, liver disease, or certain treatments such as chemotherapy. Factors like diet, medications, and other conditions can also affect the result.

If it’s low

A low MCV (smaller-than-average red cells, called microcytic) is a general finding, not a diagnosis, and this is not a complete list. It can be seen with iron deficiency anemia (the most common form), thalassemia (an inherited blood disorder), or lead poisoning. Note that anemia can also occur with a normal MCV, for example with sudden blood loss, kidney failure, or aplastic anemia.

A result is not a diagnosis

Reference ranges vary by laboratory, age, sex, and method — the range on your own report is what applies to you. A single value out of range doesn’t confirm any condition; your clinician interprets it alongside your symptoms, history, and other results. This page is general information, not medical advice.

Frequently asked

What does the MCV (mean corpuscular volume) test measure?: MCV (mean corpuscular volume) measures the average size of your red blood cells. It is usually reported as one part of a complete blood count (CBC).
What is a normal MCV (mean corpuscular volume) range?: MedlinePlus lists a general MCV normal value of roughly 79 to 95 femtoliters (fL), but this is only a general guide. Reference ranges vary by laboratory, age, sex, and measurement method, and some labs use different measurements or samples. The range printed on your own lab report is the one that applies to your result. A result outside the range does not by itself mean you have a medical problem.
What does a high result mean?: A high MCV (larger-than-average red cells, called macrocytic) is a general finding, not a diagnosis, and this is not a complete list. It may be seen with vitamin B12 or folate (folic acid) deficiency, pernicious anemia, liver disease, or certain treatments such as chemotherapy. Factors like diet, medications, and other conditions can also affect the result.
What does a low result mean?: A low MCV (smaller-than-average red cells, called microcytic) is a general finding, not a diagnosis, and this is not a complete list. It can be seen with iron deficiency anemia (the most common form), thalassemia (an inherited blood disorder), or lead poisoning. Note that anemia can also occur with a normal MCV, for example with sudden blood loss, kidney failure, or aplastic anemia.

Other lab tests

Leukocytes in urine MCHC Hemoglobin A1Ctest Complete blood count C-reactive proteintest ESR Ferritin blood test TSHtest Vitamin D blood test eGFR All lab tests →

Sources

General reference, not medical advice, and not a substitute for your clinician. Lab reference ranges and interpretation depend on the laboratory and on your individual situation — discuss your results with a licensed healthcare professional.