Normal Testosterone Levels by Age (Chart)

Just got a lab result back? This guide gives you a testosterone levels by age chart for men built only from published research, explains why labs print different ranges, and covers what counts as low.

A chart shows where you sit compared with other men. It cannot diagnose you; that takes repeat morning blood tests plus real symptoms.

The short answer

• In healthy, non-obese men aged 19 to 39, a large harmonized study set the normal range at 264 to 916 ng/dL, with a median of 531 ng/dL (Travison et al., 2017).
• U.S. guidelines, including the American Urological Association (AUA), use below 300 ng/dL on two separate early-morning tests as the threshold for low testosterone (Lin et al., J Urol 2025).
• In one large model, average levels peaked around age 19, fell slightly until about age 40, then held steady while the spread between men widened (Kelsey et al., 2014).

Testosterone levels by age chart (men)

This testosterone levels by age chart comes from a published model of total testosterone in men across the lifespan (Kelsey et al., PLoS One 2014). The authors combined data from 13 earlier studies and reported centiles at each age in nmol/L. We converted those values to ng/dL, the unit most U.S. labs use (1 nmol/L is about 28.8 ng/dL; 300 ng/dL equals 10.4 nmol/L, per Brambilla et al., 2009).

Each row shows the model value at the first age of that decade.

Age bracket	Low end (2.5th centile)	Lower range (10th centile)	Typical (50th centile)	Upper range (90th centile)	High end (97.5th centile)
19-29 (at age 20)	211 ng/dL	291 ng/dL	444 ng/dL	733 ng/dL	885 ng/dL
30-39 (at age 30)	202 ng/dL	268 ng/dL	392 ng/dL	626 ng/dL	747 ng/dL
40-49 (at age 40)	190 ng/dL	254 ng/dL	375 ng/dL	609 ng/dL	730 ng/dL
50-59 (at age 50)	182 ng/dL	248 ng/dL	375 ng/dL	617 ng/dL	747 ng/dL
60-69 (at age 60)	173 ng/dL	242 ng/dL	375 ng/dL	637 ng/dL	776 ng/dL
70-79 (at age 70)	167 ng/dL	239 ng/dL	378 ng/dL	658 ng/dL	808 ng/dL
80+ (at age 80)	162 ng/dL	236 ng/dL	381 ng/dL	681 ng/dL	839 ng/dL

Source: Kelsey TW et al., Table 3, converted from nmol/L. Values are rounded.

How to read this chart

• The middle column is the “typical” man. Half of men that age are above it and half are below.
• The spread gets wider with age. The authors found variation between men grows after age 40, while the average stays close to the same level.
• A low-end number is not automatically healthy. The model describes the spread of values in the men studied. It is not a diagnostic cutoff, and its lowest centiles fall below the 300 ng/dL threshold that U.S. guidelines use for low testosterone.

The harmonized range for younger men

Labs use different testing methods, which makes ranges hard to compare. In 2017, researchers harmonized results from 9,054 men in four U.S. and European cohorts by calibrating each cohort against a CDC reference method. For healthy, non-obese men aged 19 to 39, they reported these values (Travison et al., J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2017):

Percentile	Total testosterone
2.5th	264 ng/dL
5th	303 ng/dL
50th (median)	531 ng/dL
95th	852 ng/dL
97.5th	916 ng/dL

The authors found that a large share of the difference between cohorts came from assay differences, not real differences between men. That is a big reason two labs can print two different “normal” ranges.

What younger men’s numbers look like in U.S. data

A 2022 study of 1,486 U.S. men aged 20 to 44 from national survey data (NHANES, 2011-2016) left out afternoon and evening samples. It reported the middle third of results for each five-year band (Zhu et al., J Urol 2022):

Age	Middle third of results
20-24	409-558 ng/dL
25-29	413-575 ng/dL
30-34	359-498 ng/dL
35-39	352-478 ng/dL
40-44	350-473 ng/dL

The authors proposed age-specific cutoffs for low testosterone in this age group, from 350 to 413 ng/dL, instead of a single 300 ng/dL cutoff. That is a research proposal, not an official guideline change.

Why your lab’s range may look different

Reference ranges vary from lab to lab, partly because labs use different testing methods, so no testosterone levels by age chart replaces the range printed on your report. Your provider will compare you against that range. If you switch labs, both your number and the range may shift a little.

If you see a result in nmol/L (common outside the U.S.), multiply by about 28.8 to get ng/dL.

Total testosterone, free testosterone and SHBG

Most testosterone in your blood is bound to proteins, mainly sex-hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and albumin. A smaller share is free. Free testosterone is the form your body can use most easily (MedlinePlus).

• Total testosterone counts bound and free together. It is the standard first test.
• Free testosterone counts only the unbound part.
• SHBG is the main binding protein. When it is high, total testosterone can look fine while free testosterone runs low.

The Endocrine Society advises measuring free testosterone when total testosterone is near the lower limit of normal or when a condition may alter SHBG (Bhasin et al., 2018). SHBG tends to rise with age: in the Massachusetts Male Aging Study it rose about 1.6% per year of age (Feldman et al., 2002). For more, read why total testosterone alone is not enough.

How fast does testosterone drop with age?

It depends on the study and on the man. The Massachusetts Male Aging Study followed men aged 40 to 70 for 7 to 10 years. Within the same men, total testosterone fell about 1.6% per year and bioavailable testosterone fell about 2% to 3% per year. Apparent good health added 10% to 15% to several androgen levels (Feldman et al., 2002).

Cleveland Clinic notes levels can drop about 1% per year starting in the late 30s (Cleveland Clinic). The Kelsey model found no further fall in the average after 40, only wider variation. The takeaway: age matters, but so does your overall health.

What counts as low testosterone?

U.S. guidelines from the AUA and the Endocrine Society use a total testosterone below 300 ng/dL, confirmed on two separate early-morning measurements (Lin et al., 2025). Cleveland Clinic uses the same 300 ng/dL figure for adults (Cleveland Clinic).

A number alone is not a diagnosis. The AUA describes testosterone deficiency as low testosterone levels combined with related symptoms or signs (AUA guideline). The Endocrine Society also requires consistent symptoms plus unequivocally and consistently low levels (Bhasin et al., 2018). If you are not sure your symptoms fit, see our list of signs of low testosterone.

Best time to test (and how to prepare)

1. Test in the morning. MedlinePlus says samples are usually drawn between 7 and 10 a.m., when levels are typically highest (MedlinePlus). In one study, men aged 30 to 40 had levels 20% to 25% lower at 4 p.m. than at 8 a.m.; the gap shrank to about 10% by age 70 (Brambilla et al., 2009).
2. Test fasting. The Endocrine Society recommends a fasting morning total testosterone as the first test (Bhasin et al., 2018). In one study, drinking a standard glucose drink lowered average testosterone by 25% (Caronia et al., 2013).
3. Repeat a low result. Both the AUA and the Endocrine Society call for a second morning test to confirm a low number.
4. Do not test while sick. Illness can temporarily lower testosterone (Cleveland Clinic).

See TRT blood work tests for what else a full panel checks.

What affects your testosterone level

• Sleep. In a small study of 10 healthy young men, one week of sleeping under five hours a night lowered testosterone by 10% to 15% (UChicago Medicine; Leproult and Van Cauter, JAMA 2011). Read more on sleep and testosterone.
• Weight and blood sugar. Cleveland Clinic says many men with symptoms of low testosterone have obesity or diabetes as the underlying issue.
• Sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is a listed risk factor.
• Medications. Opiates, medicines for opioid dependence and some drugs for prostate cancer, digestive issues or pain can lower testosterone.
• Illness. Being sick can briefly stop testosterone production.

Source for the last four items: Cleveland Clinic. Our guide to increasing testosterone naturally covers the basics.

Normal range vs. a target on treatment

A reference range describes untreated men, not a treatment goal. For men on testosterone therapy, the Endocrine Society suggests aiming for mid-normal levels (Bhasin et al., 2018). We explain how providers think about this in optimal testosterone level on TRT.

A note for women

Women make testosterone too, but at far lower levels, so the men’s chart above does not apply. See our separate guide to testosterone levels in women by age.

When to see a provider

Talk to a licensed provider if:

• Your morning total testosterone is under 300 ng/dL, or near the bottom of your lab’s range.
• You have symptoms such as low sex drive, erectile problems, fatigue or low mood, even with a borderline number.
• You had one low result but never had a repeat morning test.

If you already know you want care from home, you can start TRT online with MultiGen Wellness after labs and a visit with a licensed provider.

Frequently asked questions

What is a normal testosterone level for a man?

For healthy, non-obese men aged 19 to 39, a harmonized study set the range at 264 to 916 ng/dL, with a median of 531 ng/dL. Your own lab’s range may differ slightly.

What is a normal testosterone level for a 40-year-old man?

In the Kelsey model, the typical (50th centile) level at age 40 was about 375 ng/dL, with the middle 80% of men between about 254 and 609 ng/dL. U.S. survey data put the middle third of men aged 40 to 44 at 350 to 473 ng/dL.

What is a normal testosterone level for a 50-year-old man?

The Kelsey model shows a typical (50th centile) level of about 375 ng/dL at age 50, with a wide spread between men.

What is a normal testosterone level for a 60- or 70-year-old man?

The Kelsey model’s typical level stays near 375 to 378 ng/dL at ages 60 and 70, but the gap between low and high men widens with age. The 300 ng/dL threshold that U.S. guidelines use for low testosterone is the same at every adult age.

What testosterone level is considered low?

The AUA uses below 300 ng/dL, confirmed on two separate early-morning tests, together with symptoms or signs.

Is 500 ng/dL a good testosterone level?

500 ng/dL sits close to the median of 531 ng/dL reported for healthy, non-obese men aged 19 to 39, and above the typical level for every age in the Kelsey model. Whether it is right for you depends on your symptoms and full lab picture.

Does testosterone drop every year after 30?

On average it falls with age, but not at the same rate for everyone. In one long-term study of men 40 to 70, total testosterone fell about 1.6% per year.

What time of day should I get my testosterone tested?

In the morning, usually between 7 and 10 a.m., and ideally fasting. In one study, levels at 4 p.m. were 20% to 25% lower than at 8 a.m. in men aged 30 to 40.

Why is my lab’s range different from a testosterone levels by age chart?

Reference ranges vary between labs, partly because labs use different testing methods. Assay differences explain much of the variation between studies.

What is the difference between total and free testosterone?

Total testosterone counts hormone bound to proteins plus the free part. Free testosterone counts only the unbound part, which the body can use most easily.

Can poor sleep lower my testosterone test?

Yes. In a small study, one week of sleeping under five hours a night lowered testosterone in healthy young men by 10% to 15%.

Talk to a licensed provider

If your number worries you, a licensed provider can review your results and order the right follow-up tests. MultiGen Wellness is a self-pay telehealth practice: $247 to start (includes your first provider visit), then $97 per visit, with medications priced separately. We do not bill insurance.

Contact MultiGen Wellness or call 1-800-259-0015.

Sources

• Travison TG, et al. Harmonized reference ranges for circulating testosterone levels in men of four cohort studies in the United States and Europe. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2017. Abstract
• Kelsey TW, et al. A validated age-related normative model for male total testosterone shows increasing variance but no decline after age 40 years. PLoS One. 2014. Full text
• Zhu A, et al. What is a normal testosterone level for young men? Rethinking the 300 ng/dL cutoff for testosterone deficiency in men 20-44 years old. J Urol. 2022. PubMed
• American Urological Association. Evaluation and management of testosterone deficiency: AUA guideline (Mulhall JP, et al. J Urol. 2018). auanet.org
• Lin YH, et al. A new framework for testosterone deficiency: integrating organ-specific and circadian thresholds. J Urol. 2025. Full text
• Bhasin S, et al. Testosterone therapy in men with hypogonadism: an Endocrine Society clinical practice guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2018. PubMed
• Feldman HA, et al. Age trends in the level of serum testosterone and other hormones in middle-aged men: Massachusetts Male Aging Study. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2002. PubMed
• Brambilla DJ, et al. The effect of diurnal variation on clinical measurement of serum testosterone and other sex hormone levels in men. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2009. PubMed
• Caronia LM, et al. Abrupt decrease in serum testosterone levels after an oral glucose load in men. Clin Endocrinol. 2013. PubMed
• Leproult R, Van Cauter E. Effect of 1 week of sleep restriction on testosterone levels in young healthy men. JAMA. 2011. PubMed
• MedlinePlus. Testosterone levels test. medlineplus.gov
• Cleveland Clinic. Low testosterone (male hypogonadism). clevelandclinic.org