White blood cells (WBCs), also known as leukocytes, make up about 1 percent of your blood. This is a small percentage compared to the much more numerous red blood cells.
Detailed Breakdown of WBC Types and Percentages
While WBCs constitute approximately 1% of total blood volume, different types of WBCs exist, each with its own percentage within that 1%. A complete blood count (CBC) with differential will show the specific percentage of each type. Here's a breakdown based on the provided references:
- Neutrophils: 40% to 60% of total WBCs
- Lymphocytes: 20% to 40% of total WBCs
- Monocytes: 2% to 8% of total WBCs
- Eosinophils: 1% to 4% of total WBCs
- Basophils: 0.5% to 1% of total WBCs
The percentages provided are typical ranges, and individual results may vary based on factors like age, health, and the specific laboratory performing the test.
It's crucial to remember that these percentages refer to the relative proportions of different WBC types within the overall WBC population (which itself is a small fraction of the blood). A significant deviation from these normal ranges can indicate underlying medical conditions.
