Introduction: Spirometry, also known as a ventilatory functional test, is one of the non-invasive tests that is most frequently performed worldwide, for the study of the respiratory system, it is of great clinical utility, it allows establishing the existence of functional alterations incipients of the respiratory system. Objective: To update the state of knowledge about the importance of having reference values, in each country, for the study of lung function. Methods: A review was carried out, with updated information on the behavior of the reference values of the ventilatory functional tests in the world and in Cuba. Conclusion: It is concluded by emphasizing the need to apply prediction equations and reference values of the ventilatory function from the population under study, which results closer to the real. In addition, to have Cuban normality tables of lung function for a better diagnosis and subsequent behavior.