# Cholesterol Units Converter (mg/dL ↔ mmol/L)

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

> The cholesterol units converter switches total, LDL and HDL cholesterol between mg/dL and mmol/L (factor 38.67) and triglycerides between mg/dL and mmol/L (factor 88.57).

## Inputs

- Lipid
- Value in mg/dL (mg/dL)

## Results

- Value in mmol/L

## Formula

```
Cholesterol: mmol/L = mg/dL ÷ 38.67
Triglycerides: mmol/L = mg/dL ÷ 88.57
```

## Explanation

The factors come from the molar masses: cholesterol weighs 386.65 g/mol and a typical triglyceride about 885.7 g/mol. US labs report mg/dL, while the UK, Europe, Canada and Australia use mmol/L.

### How to use the Cholesterol Units Converter

- **Lipid**
- **Value in mg/dL**
- Every result field is editable: type into **Value in mmol/L** and **Value in mg/dL** plus every other field update to match.

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

### How it works

Choose what you are converting and enter the value in either unit; type in the result to go the other way.

### Common cholesterol values

mg/dLmmol/L401.03501.29601.551002.591303.361604.141904.912005.172406.21

### 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 enterLipidChoose one: Cholesterol (total, LDL, HDL, non-HDL), TriglyceridesValue in mg/dLIn mg/dL
*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 — Lipid: Cholesterol (total, LDL, HDL, non-HDL); Value in mg/dL: 200 mg/dL.

Results — **Value in mmol/L = 5.17 mmol/L**.

## Key terms

- **mmol/L**: Millimoles per litre.

## FAQ

**Why are cholesterol and triglycerides converted differently?**
They have different molar masses.

**What is 5 mmol/L cholesterol in mg/dL?**
About 193 mg/dL.

**What is 1.7 mmol/L triglycerides in mg/dL?**
About 150 mg/dL.


## Sources

- [Lab Tests Online – Lipid panel](https://www.testing.com/tests/lipid-panel/)