What is a normal RDW level?
The short answer
A typical US lab prints a normal RDW range of 11.5–14.5%. That range exists to catch disease, not to describe your best.
Nobody we follow has said what your red cell distribution width should be. It comes up on the shows, but never with a number.
What red cell distribution width measures
How much your red blood cells vary in size.
A wide spread often appears early in iron or vitamin shortage, before average size has shifted.
Checked against MedlinePlus — RDW (Red Cell Distribution Width).
Common questions
What is a normal red cell distribution width level?
Most US labs print 11.5–14.5 %. Your report grades you against that range. It exists to catch disease, not to describe your best.
What does your red cell distribution width number mean?
On a typical lab range, under 11.5 % is low, 11.5 to 14.5 is normal and over 14.5 is high. Your own report prints its range next to your number, and that is the one your lab uses. Nobody we follow has drawn a line inside that range.
What does the red cell distribution width test measure?
How much your red blood cells vary in size. A wide spread often appears early in iron or vitamin shortage, before average size has shifted.
Why is there no target here?
Because nobody we follow has named a number for red cell distribution width. If that changes, it will be here.