# Cholesterol Ratio Calculator

URL: https://speedycalculator.com/calculators/health/cholesterol-ratio/
Last updated: 2026-10-30

> The cholesterol ratio calculator works out the total cholesterol to HDL ratio, LDL to HDL ratio, triglyceride to HDL ratio and non-HDL cholesterol from your lipid panel, and rates each one.

## Inputs

- Total cholesterol (mg/dL, mmol/L)
- HDL cholesterol (mg/dL, mmol/L)
- LDL cholesterol (0 = estimate) (mg/dL, mmol/L)
- Triglycerides (mg/dL, mmol/L)

## Results

- Total cholesterol / HDL
- LDL / HDL
- Triglycerides / HDL
- Non-HDL cholesterol

## Formula

```
TC/HDL ratio = total cholesterol ÷ HDL
LDL/HDL ratio = LDL ÷ HDL
TG/HDL ratio = triglycerides ÷ HDL (mg/dL)
Non-HDL = TC − HDL
```

## Explanation

Ratios capture the balance between "bad" and "good" cholesterol and predict heart disease risk better than total cholesterol alone. A total-to-HDL ratio below 5 is desirable and below 3.5 is ideal; a triglyceride-to-HDL ratio above 3 suggests insulin resistance and small, dense LDL particles.

### How to use the Cholesterol Ratio Calculator

- **Total cholesterol**
- **HDL cholesterol**
- **LDL cholesterol (0 = estimate)**
- **Triglycerides**

Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.

### How it works

Enter your lipid panel values. If you do not have LDL, it is estimated with the Friedewald formula.

### Tips

- Use results from the same fasting state the formula expects (most lipid formulas assume fasting).
- Check the units on your lab report before entering values.
- Discuss treatment targets with your clinician – they depend on your overall risk.
- Repeat abnormal results; a single value can be misleading.

### Common mistakes to avoid

- Using Friedewald LDL when triglycerides are above 400 mg/dL.
- Mixing mg/dL and mmol/L values in one calculation.
- Ignoring other risk factors such as smoking and blood pressure.

### Inputs explained

FieldWhat to enterTotal cholesterolUnits: mg/dL, mmol/LHDL cholesterolUnits: mg/dL, mmol/LLDL cholesterol (0 = estimate)Units: mg/dL, mmol/LTriglyceridesUnits: mg/dL, mmol/L

### What each result means

- **Total cholesterol / HDL** = [Total cholesterol]÷[HDL cholesterol]
- **Triglycerides / HDL** = [Triglycerides]÷[HDL cholesterol]
- **Non-HDL cholesterol** = [Total cholesterol] - [HDL cholesterol]

### Example values

How the main result changes when **Total cholesterol** changes and everything else stays at the example values above:

Total cholesterol (mg/dL)Total cholesterol / HDL100215032004250530064008
*Health note: this calculator is for education and screening only and is not a diagnosis or treatment advice. Discuss your results with a qualified clinician.*

## Worked example

Inputs — Total cholesterol: 200 mg/dL; HDL cholesterol: 50 mg/dL; LDL cholesterol (0 = estimate): 0 mg/dL; Triglycerides: 150 mg/dL.

Results — **Total cholesterol / HDL = 4**; LDL / HDL = 2.4; Triglycerides / HDL = 3; Non-HDL cholesterol = 150 mg/dL.

## Key terms

- **HDL**: High-density lipoprotein ("good") cholesterol.

## FAQ

**What is a good cholesterol ratio?**
Total-to-HDL below 5, ideally below 3.5.

**Is a high HDL always good?**
Mostly, but very high HDL (above about 100 mg/dL) is not extra protective.

**Should I use the ratio or LDL for treatment?**
Guidelines base treatment on LDL or non-HDL and overall risk; ratios add context.


## Sources

- [American Heart Association](https://www.heart.org/)
- [Millán J et al. Lipoprotein ratios: physiological significance and clinical usefulness. Vasc Health Risk Manag, 2009](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19436645/)