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Normal Testosterone Levels by Age

Most labs use a single adult male range of roughly 264-916 ng/dL (9.2-31.8 nmol/L) for total testosterone, but the realistic age-banded averages are: 20s ~600-700, 30s ~550-650, 40s ~500-600, 50s ~450-550, 60s ~400-500, 70+ ~350-450 ng/dL.

Total testosterone by age (typical mid-range)

20-29: ~600-700 ng/dL (20.8-24.3 nmol/L).

30-39: ~550-650 ng/dL (19.1-22.5 nmol/L).

40-49: ~500-600 ng/dL (17.3-20.8 nmol/L).

50-59: ~450-550 ng/dL (15.6-19.1 nmol/L).

60-69: ~400-500 ng/dL (13.9-17.3 nmol/L).

70+: ~350-450 ng/dL (12.1-15.6 nmol/L).

These are population averages from large cohorts (HIM Study, EMAS). Individual ranges vary widely — your personal baseline matters more than the average.

Free testosterone — usually the more relevant number

Typical adult male free testosterone (calculated by Vermeulen formula): 196-636 pmol/L (5.6-18.3 ng/dL).

Free T declines faster than total T with age — roughly 1.2-1.5% per year vs 0.8-1.0% for total — because SHBG rises with age, binding more of your testosterone away from receptors.

Symptomatic men with normal-range total T but low calculated free T are common and routinely missed by labs that don't report free T or SHBG.

What 'low' actually means clinically

Total testosterone <300 ng/dL (10.4 nmol/L) on two morning draws, with symptoms, meets the Endocrine Society threshold for hypogonadism.

Free testosterone <225 pmol/L (6.5 ng/dL) with symptoms also qualifies, even if total is in range.

One number in isolation diagnoses nothing. A proper workup includes total T, SHBG, albumin (for calculated free T), sensitive estradiol, LH, FSH, prolactin, and AM cortisol.

Why your test result might be misleading

Time of day: testosterone peaks 07:00-10:00; afternoon draws can read 20-30% lower in healthy men.

Acute illness, recent heavy training, or poor sleep the night before can suppress results 10-25%.

High SHBG (often from age, low BMI, or hyperthyroidism) makes total T look normal while free T is functionally low.

Always retest before drawing conclusions. Two morning, fasted draws on different days is the standard.

FAQs

What is a normal testosterone level for a 30-year-old man?
Typical mid-range for men aged 30-39 is roughly 550-650 ng/dL (19.1-22.5 nmol/L) total testosterone. Free testosterone matters more — calculate it from total T, SHBG, and albumin.
What is a normal testosterone level for a 40-year-old man?
Typical mid-range for men aged 40-49 is roughly 500-600 ng/dL (17.3-20.8 nmol/L). Symptoms with values in the lower half of the range often indicate functional deficiency, especially if free T is also low.
What is a normal testosterone level for a 50-year-old man?
Typical mid-range for men aged 50-59 is roughly 450-550 ng/dL (15.6-19.1 nmol/L). Total testosterone declines about 1% per year from the late 30s; SHBG rises, so free T drops faster than total.
Is 400 ng/dL low for testosterone?
It's below the typical mid-range for men under 60 and above the clinical hypogonadism threshold (300 ng/dL). Whether it's 'low' for you depends on symptoms, free T, and your own baseline if you have prior results.
What testosterone level is too low?
Total testosterone <300 ng/dL (10.4 nmol/L) on two AM draws with symptoms meets the Endocrine Society threshold for hypogonadism. Free T <225 pmol/L (6.5 ng/dL) with symptoms also qualifies independently.

Related tools & guides

Get a full panel with calculated free T — not just a one-number readout.

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