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/dL | mmol/L |
|---|---|
| 40 | 1.03 |
| 50 | 1.29 |
| 60 | 1.55 |
| 100 | 2.59 |
| 130 | 3.36 |
| 160 | 4.14 |
| 190 | 4.91 |
| 200 | 5.17 |
| 240 | 6.21 |
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
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Lipid | Choose one: Cholesterol (total, LDL, HDL, non-HDL), Triglycerides |
| Value in mg/dL | In 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.
Formula
Cholesterol: mmol/L = mg/dL ÷ 38.67
Triglycerides: mmol/L = mg/dL ÷ 88.57
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.
Frequently asked questions
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.