The average testosterone chart by age
These are the typical total testosterone ranges for men in the general U.S. population. Note the distinction between "normal" (what labs report) and "optimal" (where you actually feel best).
| Age | Average total T | "Normal" range | Optimal target |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15-19 | 650 ng/dL | 300-1,200 | 700-1,100 |
| 20-29 | 625 ng/dL | 300-1,000 | 700-1,000 |
| 30-39 | 580 ng/dL | 300-950 | 650-950 |
| 40-49 | 500 ng/dL | 300-900 | 600-900 |
| 50-59 | 450 ng/dL | 300-850 | 550-850 |
| 60-69 | 400 ng/dL | 300-800 | 500-800 |
| 70+ | 350 ng/dL | 300-750 | 450-750 |
Critical context: "Normal" lab ranges are based on averages from a population that includes a lot of men with metabolic syndrome, obesity, and suboptimal health. The average 40-year-old today has lower testosterone than the average 50-year-old did in 1970. "Normal" doesn't mean "healthy."
The rate of decline
- Peaks around age 17-19
- Plateaus through 20s
- Begins declining around age 30
- Drops 1-2% per year thereafter
- By age 60, most men have 30-50% less total testosterone than they did at 20
Total vs. free testosterone
Total testosterone is what most labs report. But 97-98% of it is bound to proteins (SHBG and albumin) and biologically inactive. What matters is free testosterone, the 2-3% floating around able to bind receptors.
| Age | Average free T | Optimal free T |
|---|---|---|
| 20-29 | 15 pg/mL | 15-25 pg/mL |
| 30-39 | 13 pg/mL | 14-22 pg/mL |
| 40-49 | 11 pg/mL | 12-20 pg/mL |
| 50-59 | 9 pg/mL | 10-18 pg/mL |
| 60-69 | 8 pg/mL | 10-18 pg/mL |
Free T ranges vary by assay, ranges above are typical for equilibrium dialysis or calculated free T from reliable labs.
What's considered "low" by age
- Under 30: total T below 400 ng/dL or free T below 12 pg/mL
- 30-50: total T below 350 ng/dL or free T below 10 pg/mL
- Over 50: total T below 300 ng/dL or free T below 8 pg/mL
Symptoms matter as much as numbers. Many men are symptomatic at "low-normal" levels (400-500 ng/dL) and benefit from treatment.
Why your levels might be lower than expected
- Chronic sleep deprivation
- Obesity and visceral fat
- Sleep apnea
- Chronic stress / elevated cortisol
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Heavy alcohol use
- Certain medications (opioids, SSRIs, corticosteroids)
- Exposure to endocrine disruptors
- Genetic factors
When to get tested
Testing is worthwhile if:
- You have 3+ symptoms of low testosterone
- You're over 35 and have never had baseline labs
- You're considering TRT
- You're optimizing health or longevity
- You have conditions associated with low T (obesity, T2D, sleep apnea, depression)
Take our 15-question symptom quiz or go straight to a comprehensive hormone panel.
How to test correctly
- Morning draw (7-10 AM), testosterone peaks early
- Fasted, food and sugar suppress T acutely
- Two separate tests before diagnosis
- Complete panel, total T, free T, SHBG, LH, FSH, estradiol, thyroid
- Equilibrium dialysis or LC-MS/MS for free T if possible (more accurate)
TRT, prescribed online by U.S. licensed providers
Compounded testosterone cypionate with labs, provider visits, and dose optimization. $199/mo.
Explore TRT →The bottom line
Testosterone declines with age, but the rate and how you feel at any level is highly individual. "Normal for your age" doesn't mean "optimal." If you're symptomatic at a number that falls within the "normal" range for 50-year-olds, TRT may still be appropriate. See our TRT complete guide for next steps.