RDW-CV Normal Range: High, Low & What Your Blood Test Result Means
Other names: RDW-CV, RDW CV, RDW-CV Blood Test, RDW-CV Low, RDW-CV High, RDW-CV Normal Range, RDW, RDW %, RDW Blood Test, Red Cell Distribution Width, Red Cell Distribution Width CV, Red Cell Distribution Width Coefficient of Variation, RBC Distribution Width, RBC Distribution Width CV, RBC Distrib Width, RED DISTRIB. WIDTH, RDW Coefficient of Variation, RDW-CV Low Meaning, RDW-CV Blood Test Low, RDW-CV Blood Test High, RDW-CV Normal Range Female, RDW-CV Normal Range Male, What Is RDW In Blood Test, RDW Blood Test Low, RDW Blood Test High, Low RDW Blood Test, RDW Standard Deviation (see also RDW-SD page), Erythrocyte Distribution Width, Red Blood Cell Distribution Width, RDW-CD, RDW Low, RDW High, RDW Low Blood Test, RDW Normal Range, RDW Low Meaning, RDW High Meaning, RDW-CV Bajo (Spanish), RDW-CV Alto (Spanish), RDW-SD (fL version — see dedicated page)
QUICK ANSWER
RDW-CV measures how much your red blood cells vary in size, as a percentage. A mildly abnormal RDW-CV is extremely common and usually does not indicate anything serious by itself. Most people with a slightly high or low RDW-CV do not require urgent treatment.
RDW-CV is always interpreted alongside MCV and haemoglobin — never in isolation.
⚠️ Is your result in fL (femtoliters) rather than %? If your lab report shows a value like 42 fL, 47 fL, or 38 fL — that is RDW-SD, not RDW-CV. RDW-SD and RDW-CV are different measurements with different units and different reference ranges. → See our dedicated RDW-SD page for fL results
MOST COMMON RESULTS AT A GLANCE
| Your RDW-CV | What it usually means |
|---|---|
| < 11.5% | Low — usually not clinically significant |
| 11.5–14.5% | Normal |
| 14.5–16% | Mildly elevated — common; correlate with haemoglobin and MCV |
| 16–20% | Moderately elevated — evaluate with iron, B12, and folate |
| > 20% | Significant variation — clinical evaluation appropriate |
Values just above or below the reference range are extremely common and often reflect normal biological variation. RDW-CV is never interpreted in isolation.
Normal reference range: approximately 11.5–14.5% (Some labs use 11.7–15.4% or 11.5–15.0% — always use the range on your specific lab report)
| Result (%) | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| < 11.5% | Low — uniformly small or large cells; usually not clinically significant |
| 11.5–14.5% | Normal |
| 14.6–16% | Mildly elevated — correlate with MCV and haemoglobin |
| 16–20% | Moderately elevated — evaluate for nutritional deficiency or chronic disease |
| > 20% | Higher elevation — medical evaluation appropriate |
Reference ranges vary by laboratory. Always compare your result to the range on your specific report.
WHAT IS RDW-CV? (AND HOW IT DIFFERS FROM RDW-SD)
RDW-CV is the most commonly reported form of RDW in the United States (used by LabCorp and Quest as the default CBC measurement). It expresses red cell size variation as a percentage of the average cell size (MCV).
The two forms of RDW:
| RDW-CV | RDW-SD | |
|---|---|---|
| Units | % (percentage) | fL (femtoliters) |
| What it measures | Size variation relative to average cell size | Actual width of the red cell size distribution curve |
| Influenced by MCV | Yes — elevated MCV can raise RDW-CV artificially | No — more independent |
| Normal range | ~11.5–14.5% | ~37–54 fL |
| More commonly reported | Yes — US labs (LabCorp, Quest) | International and hospital labs |
Simple rule: if your result shows %, it is RDW-CV. If it shows fL, it is RDW-SD.
If your report shows fL, visit our RDW-SD page for the correct reference ranges and interpretation.
WHAT DOES HIGH RDW-CV MEAN?
A high RDW-CV indicates anisocytosis — your red blood cells are varying more in size than expected. Most mildly elevated RDW-CV results are caused by common and treatable nutritional deficiencies — not serious blood disorders.
Most common causes:
- Iron deficiency (most common)
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
- Folate deficiency
- Mixed nutritional deficiency (iron + B12, or iron + folate)
- Recent blood loss or transfusion
- Recovery phase after anaemia treatment — new reticulocytes temporarily increase variation
- Chronic disease or inflammation
- Liver disease
RDW-CV often changes before anaemia develops. In early iron, B12, or folate deficiency, haemoglobin may still be completely normal while RDW-CV is already elevated — because red cell size variation develops before haemoglobin concentration drops. This makes RDW-CV one of the most sensitive early signals of nutritional deficiency. A mildly elevated RDW-CV with normal haemoglobin is very common, treatable, and not an emergency.
High RDW-CV with normal haemoglobin: Very common. Usually represents early nutritional deficiency. Doctors frequently monitor this pattern or order iron, B12, and folate testing as a next step before initiating treatment.
WHAT DOES LOW RDW-CV MEAN?
A low RDW-CV means red blood cells are very uniform in size. Low RDW-CV by itself is rarely clinically important. In most cases, it is a normal finding and does not require treatment.
Low RDW-CV may appear when:
- Red blood cells are consistently small (microcytic) — as in thalassaemia trait or early iron deficiency
- Red blood cells are consistently large (macrocytic)
- Bone marrow production is stable and uniform
- Other CBC markers are normal
Is low RDW-CV dangerous? Usually no. Low RDW-CV without other CBC abnormalities or symptoms does not require treatment. If low RDW-CV accompanies low MCV and low haemoglobin, the combination warrants evaluation for thalassaemia trait or iron deficiency. Thalassaemia trait is a common genetic carrier state — most carriers live completely normal lives.
RDW-CV AND MCV PATTERNS
Interpreting RDW-CV alongside MCV is the standard approach to anaemia classification:
| RDW-CV | MCV | Most likely cause |
|---|---|---|
| High | Low (< 80 fL) | Iron deficiency anaemia |
| High | Normal (80–100 fL) | Early/mixed deficiency, chronic disease |
| High | High (> 100 fL) | B12 or folate deficiency |
| Normal/Low | Low | Thalassaemia minor, anaemia of chronic disease |
| Normal | Normal | Normal CBC |
WHAT LEVEL OF RDW-CV IS DANGEROUS?
No single RDW-CV percentage is inherently dangerous. Clinical significance depends on context.
RDW-CV becomes more concerning when:
- High RDW-CV accompanies low haemoglobin
- High RDW-CV accompanies abnormal MCV
- Symptoms of anaemia are present (fatigue, pallor, shortness of breath, dizziness)
- The elevation is persistent on repeat testing
Reassurance: Most mildly elevated RDW-CV results reflect common nutritional deficiencies — iron, B12, or folate — which are treatable. A single mildly elevated RDW-CV in an otherwise normal CBC with no symptoms is very common and rarely urgent.
When to see a doctor about an abnormal RDW-CV:
- RDW-CV persistently elevated above 16% on repeat testing
- Elevated RDW-CV alongside low haemoglobin or abnormal MCV
- Fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, dizziness, or pale skin
- RDW-CV worsening over successive tests
- Any CBC abnormality alongside the elevated RDW-CV
COMMON PHRASES SEEN ON LAB REPORTS
RDW-CV / RDW CV
RDW-CV BLOOD TEST
RDW / RDW %
RDW BLOOD TEST
RED CELL DISTRIBUTION WIDTH
RED CELL DISTRIBUTION WIDTH CV
RBC DISTRIBUTION WIDTH / RBC DISTRIB WIDTH
RED DISTRIB. WIDTH
RDW COEFFICIENT OF VARIATION
ERYTHROCYTE DISTRIBUTION WIDTH
RDW LOW / RDW HIGH
RDW-CV LOW / RDW-CV HIGH
RDW BLOOD TEST LOW / RDW BLOOD TEST HIGH
LOW RDW BLOOD TEST
RDW-CV BAJO / RDW-CV ALTO (Spanish)
FAQ about RDW-CV (Red Cell Distribution Width) in %
-
What does RDW-CV mean in a blood test?
RDW-CV (Red Cell Distribution Width – Coefficient of Variation) measures how much your red blood cells vary in size, expressed as a percentage. A normal RDW-CV is approximately 11.5–14.5%. High RDW-CV means more size variation (anisocytosis), most commonly from iron, B12, or folate deficiency. Low RDW-CV means cells are more uniform and is usually not clinically significant. Always interpreted alongside MCV and haemoglobin. -
What is the normal range for RDW-CV?
The normal range is approximately 11.5–14.5%, though some labs use 11.7–15.4% or 11.5–15.0%. Values just above or below this range are common and not always clinically meaningful. Always use the reference range on your specific lab report. -
What does high RDW-CV mean?
High RDW-CV means your red blood cells vary significantly in size (anisocytosis). The most common causes are iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, and folate deficiency. It often rises before haemoglobin drops, providing an early signal. Mild elevation with normal haemoglobin is common and usually prompts iron and B12/folate testing rather than immediate treatment. -
What does low RDW-CV mean?
Low RDW-CV means red blood cells are more uniform in size than expected. This is usually not clinically significant. If accompanied by low MCV and low haemoglobin, it may indicate thalassaemia trait or iron deficiency — warranting further evaluation. Low RDW-CV alone with a normal CBC typically requires no action. -
What does low RDW blood test mean?
A low RDW on a blood test means red blood cells are very uniform in size. In most cases this is not a health problem. If the rest of the CBC is normal — haemoglobin, MCV, and other markers — a low RDW typically requires no follow-up. It becomes more clinically relevant when accompanied by a low MCV or low haemoglobin. -
What level of RDW-CV is dangerous?
No single percentage is inherently dangerous. RDW-CV becomes clinically concerning when it is persistently elevated alongside low haemoglobin, abnormal MCV, or symptoms of anaemia (fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness). Mildly elevated RDW-CV with a normal CBC and no symptoms is very common and rarely requires urgent action. -
What is the difference between RDW-CV and RDW-SD?
RDW-CV is expressed as a percentage and reflects size variation relative to average cell size (MCV). RDW-SD is expressed in femtoliters (fL) and reflects the actual spread of red cell sizes. If your result shows %, it is RDW-CV; if it shows fL, it is RDW-SD. RDW-CV is the standard form reported by US labs (LabCorp, Quest). For fL results, see our RDW-SD page. -
What does RDW-CV low mean?
RDW-CV low means your red blood cells are very similar in size — more uniform than the reference range suggests is typical. This is usually a benign finding. It may be seen in thalassaemia trait or early iron deficiency where all cells are uniformly small. If haemoglobin and MCV are normal, low RDW-CV alone is not clinically actionable. -
Can iron deficiency cause high RDW-CV with normal haemoglobin?
Yes — iron deficiency can raise RDW-CV before haemoglobin drops. The earliest effect of iron depletion is on red cell size variation, not haemoglobin concentration. A mildly elevated RDW-CV with normal haemoglobin is one of the earliest laboratory signs of iron deficiency and commonly prompts iron studies as a next step. -
What does RDW mean on a blood test?
RDW (Red Cell Distribution Width) measures variation in red blood cell size. It is reported in two forms: RDW-CV (as a percentage, normal ~11.5–14.5%) and RDW-SD (in femtoliters, normal ~37–54 fL). Both are part of the CBC. High RDW in either form suggests anisocytosis — uneven red cell sizes — most commonly from nutritional deficiency. Low RDW is usually not significant. -
Can dehydration affect RDW-CV?
Dehydration itself does not directly change RDW-CV, but it can affect other CBC markers (haemoglobin may appear falsely elevated, for example). A one-time mildly elevated RDW-CV measured during or after an illness — which often involves dehydration — is not clinically significant on its own. -
Can stress affect RDW-CV?
Acute physiological stress (illness, surgery, infection) can transiently alter red blood cell production and cause a mildly elevated RDW-CV. Psychological stress alone does not directly change RDW-CV. A single mildly elevated value during or shortly after an illness is not a cause for concern. -
Can alcohol raise RDW-CV?
Yes. Chronic or heavy alcohol use can raise RDW-CV through direct toxic effects on bone marrow and secondary folate deficiency (common with high alcohol intake). A mildly elevated RDW-CV in someone who drinks regularly often prompts a check of folate and MCV. This is reversible with reduced alcohol intake and nutritional correction. -
Can pregnancy affect RDW-CV?
Pregnancy increases blood volume and iron requirements, which can cause iron deficiency. This commonly raises RDW-CV. Mild RDW-CV elevation in pregnancy is expected and typically managed with iron supplementation. Values normalise postpartum as iron stores recover. -
Can RDW-CV return to normal?
Yes — RDW-CV normalises once the underlying cause is treated. However, it returns to normal slowly rather than quickly, because red blood cells live approximately 120 days. When iron, B12, or folate is replenished, new healthy red cells gradually replace the older abnormal ones over several weeks to months. This means RDW-CV may stay mildly elevated for 1–3 months even after treatment begins — this is expected and does not mean treatment is failing.
Lab Results Explained and Tracked
What does it mean if your RDW-CV (Red Cell Distribution Width) in % result is too high?
A high RDW-CV means your red blood cells vary more in size than expected — a condition called anisocytosis. This is one of the most common mild abnormalities found on a CBC and is usually caused by a nutritional deficiency rather than a serious disease.
Most common causes: Iron deficiency (most common), vitamin B12 deficiency, folate deficiency, mixed deficiencies, recent blood loss, chronic inflammation, liver disease, and recovery from illness.
Mild elevation (14.5–17%) with normal haemoglobin: Very common. Often represents early iron or B12/folate deficiency before anaemia develops. Doctors typically order iron studies and B12/folate levels as a next step. No urgent action is usually required.
Moderate to marked elevation (above 17–20%) with other CBC abnormalities warrants clinical evaluation to identify the underlying cause and guide treatment.
High RDW-CV is not dangerous by itself. It becomes clinically significant when combined with a drop in haemoglobin, abnormal MCV, or symptoms of anaemia.
Related Health Conditions
All Your Lab Results.
One Simple Dashboard.
Import, Track, and Share Your Lab Results Easily
Import, Track, and Share Your Lab Results
Import lab results from multiple providers, track changes over time, customize your reference ranges, and get clear explanations for each result. Everything is stored securely, exportable in one organized file, and shareable with your doctor—or anyone you choose.
Cancel or upgrade anytime
What does it mean if your RDW-CV (Red Cell Distribution Width) in % result is too low?
A low RDW-CV means your red blood cells are very uniform in size. In most cases this is a normal finding and does not require treatment.
Low RDW-CV is clinically significant only when it accompanies other CBC abnormalities. The combination of low RDW-CV, low MCV, and low haemoglobin may suggest thalassaemia trait or iron deficiency anaemia — both of which warrant further evaluation with iron studies.
If your RDW-CV is low but haemoglobin, MCV, and other CBC markers are all normal, this is not a cause for concern and does not require follow-up in most cases.
Related Biomarkers
Article Review & Sources
All our content is backed by peer-reviewed studies, academic research, and trusted medical sources. We're committed to accuracy and transparency — see our editorial policy for details.
Laboratories
Bring All Your Lab Results Together — In One Place
We accept reports from any lab, so you can easily collect and organize all your health information in one secure spot.
Pricing Table
Gather Your Lab History — and Finally Make Sense of It
Finally, Your Lab Results Organized and Clear
Personal plans
$79/ year
Advanced Plan
Access your lab reports, explanations, and tracking tools.
- Import lab results from any provider
- Track all results with visual tools
- Customize your reference ranges
- Export your full lab history anytime
- Share results securely with anyone
- Receive 5 reports entered for you
- Cancel or upgrade anytime
$250/ once
Unlimited Account
Pay once, access everything—no monthly fees, no limits.
- Import lab results from any provider
- Track all results with visual tools
- Customize your reference ranges
- Export your full lab history anytime
- Share results securely with anyone
- Receive 10 reports entered for you
- No subscriptions. No extra fees.
$45/ month
Pro Monthly
Designed for professionals managing their clients' lab reports
- Import lab results from any provider
- Track lab results for multiple clients
- Customize reference ranges per client
- Export lab histories and reports
- Begin with first report entered by us
- Cancel or upgrade anytime
About membership
What's included in a Healthmatters membership
Import Lab Results from Any Source
See Your Health Timeline
Understand What Your Results Mean
Visualize Your Results
Data Entry Service for Your Reports
Securely Share With Anyone You Trust
Let Your Lab Results Tell the Full Story
Once your results are in one place, see the bigger picture — track trends over time, compare data side by side, export your full history, and share securely with anyone you trust.
Bring all your results together to compare, track progress, export your history, and share securely.
What Healthmatters Members Are Saying
We implement proven measures to keep your data safe.
At HealthMatters, we're committed to maintaining the security and confidentiality of your personal information. We've put industry-leading security standards in place to help protect against the loss, misuse, or alteration of the information under our control. We use procedural, physical, and electronic security methods designed to prevent unauthorized people from getting access to this information. Our internal code of conduct adds additional privacy protection. All data is backed up multiple times a day and encrypted using SSL certificates. See our Privacy Policy for more details.