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
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Total cholesterol | Units: mg/dL, mmol/L |
| HDL cholesterol | Units: mg/dL, mmol/L |
| LDL cholesterol (0 = estimate) | Units: mg/dL, mmol/L |
| Triglycerides | Units: 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 / HDL |
|---|---|
| 100 | 2 |
| 150 | 3 |
| 200 | 4 |
| 250 | 5 |
| 300 | 6 |
| 400 | 8 |
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.
Formula
TC/HDL ratio = total cholesterol ÷ HDL
LDL/HDL ratio = LDL ÷ HDL
TG/HDL ratio = triglycerides ÷ HDL (mg/dL)
Non-HDL = TC − HDL
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.
Frequently asked questions
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.