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The USMLE lab values PDF and reference table

USMLE prints its laboratory values table in its free sample question booklet, and the same table is available on screen during the exam. The current USMLE lab values PDF is pages 7-9 of the Step 1 sample questions booklet, updated April 2026. It gives each normal range in conventional units and in SI units.

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Updated October 2026 · Written from official sources, listed at the bottom of this page

Where is the USMLE lab values PDF?

Download the Step 1 sample test questions booklet from usmle.org. The table, called USMLE Laboratory Values, is on pages 7-9, and the booklet says the real exam presents its questions with this table available.

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What the table covers

  • Serum: electrolytes and general chemistry, liver tests, other enzymes, lipids, iron studies, hormones and immunoglobulins.
  • Arterial blood gases on room air.
  • Cerebrospinal fluid.
  • Hematology: complete blood count, coagulation, reticulocytes, ESR, CD4 count and hemoglobin A1c.
  • Urine, and adult body mass index.

Some normal lab values from the USMLE table

These rows are copied from the April 2026 booklet. Use the full table in the PDF, since USMLE can update it.

TestReference rangeSI units
Sodium136-146 mEq/L136-146 mmol/L
Potassium3.5-5.0 mEq/L3.5-5.0 mmol/L
Bicarbonate22-28 mEq/L22-28 mmol/L
Creatinine0.6-1.2 mg/dL53-106 μmol/L
Glucose, fasting70-100 mg/dL3.8-5.6 mmol/L
Calcium8.4-10.2 mg/dL2.1-2.6 mmol/L
HemoglobinMale 13.5-17.5 g/dL, female 12.0-16.0 g/dL135-175 g/L, 120-160 g/L
Leukocyte count4500-11,000/mm34.5-11.0 × 10^9/L
Platelet count150,000-400,000/mm3150-400 × 10^9/L
Arterial pH7.35-7.45[H+] 36-44 nmol/L
TSH0.4-4.0 μU/mL0.4-4.0 mIU/L

Do you need to memorize normal lab values?

Not every range. On the real exam the questions come with the lab values table available, so you can check a range while you work through a case. Practicing with the table open, the way you’ll use it on test day, is closer to the real thing than drilling numbers.

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Sources: USMLE and 1 more. Checked October 2026.

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