Cholesterol Ratio Calculator
Calculate total/HDL, LDL/HDL, triglycerides/HDL, non-HDL cholesterol, and estimated LDL.
Enter Lipid Values
TC, HDL, and LDL convert with the cholesterol factor. TG uses its own triglyceride conversion factor.
Results
Estimated LDL uses the Friedewald equation and may be inaccurate when triglycerides are high, especially above 400 mg/dL.
Use this Cholesterol Ratio Calculator to calculate common relationships between total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides. It also calculates non-HDL cholesterol and can estimate LDL using the Friedewald equation.
Calculation Methods
Total/HDL ratio = total cholesterol ÷ HDL
LDL/HDL ratio = LDL ÷ HDL
Triglycerides/HDL ratio = triglycerides ÷ HDL
Non-HDL cholesterol = total cholesterol − HDL
When values are in mg/dL:
Friedewald estimated LDL = total cholesterol − HDL − (triglycerides ÷ 5)
Example
For total cholesterol of 200 mg/dL, HDL of 50 mg/dL, LDL of 120 mg/dL, and triglycerides of 150 mg/dL:
Total/HDL = 200 ÷ 50 = 4.0
LDL/HDL = 120 ÷ 50 = 2.4
Non-HDL = 200 − 50 = 150 mg/dL
Friedewald LDL = 200 − 50 − (150 ÷ 5) = 120 mg/dL
Important Note
Cholesterol ratios are supporting calculations and should not be used alone to determine cardiovascular risk or treatment. LDL, non-HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, other risk factors, and your overall clinical profile are important.
The traditional Friedewald equation becomes unreliable when triglycerides are very high, particularly at 400 mg/dL or above. Use the LDL value reported by your laboratory for medical decisions.