MCV (mean corpuscular volume)
Average size (volume) of a single red blood cell
Also known as
Definition
MCV (mean corpuscular volume) shows how large your red blood cells are on average. Together with MCH, MCHC and RDW it belongs to the red blood cell indices and is usually measured with the blood count. Because different types of anemia change cell size in different ways, MCV helps tell them apart together with other values. On its own it is not enough for a diagnosis.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Unit | fl (femtoliters) |
| Reference Range | Typical for adults: 80–96 fl (normal value in the guideline of the German hematology society DGHO). Labs differ slightly; the reference range on your own report is what counts. Your doctor interprets the result. |
Agree on your personal target range with your doctor.
1 fl (femtoliter) equals exactly 1 µm³ (cubic micrometer); both give the same number. 80–96 fl is therefore 80–96 µm³.
↓ What a low value means
A low MCV means that your red blood cells are smaller than usual on average (microcytic). This can be linked to iron deficiency anemia, the most common form of anemia. Iron deficiency is not the only cause, though: a low MCV can also be linked to thalassemia, an inherited disorder of red blood cell and hemoglobin production, or to long-standing anemia of chronic disease. The value is interpreted together with MCH, hemoglobin, ferritin and other results. Discuss the result with your doctor.
↑ What a high value means
A high MCV means that your red blood cells are larger than usual on average (macrocytic). This can be linked to anemia caused by a lack of vitamin B12 or folic acid. Vitamin B12 deficiency can also occur when the body cannot use the vitamin well, for example with certain autoimmune diseases, celiac disease or Crohn's disease. A high MCV can also be linked to liver disease. Discuss any deviation with your doctor.
When to test
MCV is measured with the blood count, for example at routine checkups, with chronic conditions that can lead to anemia, or with signs of anemia such as shortness of breath, weakness, fatigue, headache, dizziness or heart rhythm problems. No preparation is needed for MCV itself; if other values are measured from the same sample, you may be asked to fast.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between MCV, MCH and MCHC? +
MCV describes the average size of a red blood cell, MCH the average amount of hemoglobin in it, and MCHC the hemoglobin concentration relative to cell size. Together with RDW, which captures size differences between cells, they are called red blood cell indices.
Can anemia be present even though MCV is normal? +
Yes. With sudden blood loss, kidney failure or the rare aplastic anemia, MCV can lie within the reference range. Anemia of chronic disease is also usually normal-sized (normocytic) at first. That is why the overall picture of the blood count always counts, and your doctor assesses it.
Does an MCV outside the reference range always mean a disease? +
No. A deviating value does not always mean a problem that needs treatment. Age, diet, physical activity, medicines, your menstrual period and other circumstances can affect the result. Your doctor assesses MCV together with other values and your medical history.
Is a value in fl the same as in µm³? +
Yes. 1 femtoliter (fl) equals exactly 1 cubic micrometer (µm³), so the numbers are the same. When comparing values over time, still pay attention to the reference range of the respective lab.
MCV (mean corpuscular volume)
Sources
Last updated: October 05, 2026
This information is for orientation only and does not replace medical advice. Reference ranges can vary by laboratory, method and country.