Work out your cholesterol ratios from a lipid panel. This free cholesterol ratio calculator shows your total:HDL ratio, LDL:HDL, triglyceride:HDL and non-HDL — informational only, not a diagnosis.
⚠ Informational only — this is not a diagnosis. Cholesterol ratios are just one part of cardiovascular risk, which a clinician assesses alongside many other factors. Discuss your results with a healthcare professional.
Your lipid panel
mg/dL
mg/dL
mg/dL
mg/dL
Total : HDL ratio
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Enter total cholesterol and HDL
General band
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LDL : HDL
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Triglyceride : HDL
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Non-HDL cholesterol
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Reference bands are general guides for adults. Healthy targets are individual — your clinician interprets ratios within your overall risk picture.
Use this free cholesterol ratio calculator to work out your total-to-HDL cholesterol ratio and related ratios from a lipid panel. Enter your numbers to see where they fall against general reference bands.
Important: this calculator is informational only and is not a diagnosis. Cholesterol ratios are just one piece of cardiovascular risk, which a clinician weighs alongside blood pressure, age, family history, lifestyle and more. Always discuss your lipid panel with a healthcare professional.
What this cholesterol ratio calculator shows you
A cholesterol ratio calculator divides your total cholesterol by your HDL (“good” cholesterol) to give the total:HDL ratio — a commonly cited summary number. If you add LDL and triglycerides, it also shows the LDL:HDL and triglyceride:HDL ratios and your non-HDL cholesterol.
How the cholesterol ratio is calculated
Total : HDL ratio = Total cholesterol ÷ HDL
For a total of 200 and HDL of 50, the ratio is 4.0. Because it’s a ratio, the units cancel out, so it’s the same whether you use mg/dL or mmol/L. A lower ratio is generally considered more favourable.
General cholesterol ratio bands
Total : HDL ratio
General band
Below 3.5
Often considered optimal
3.5 – 5
Often considered desirable
Above 5
Often considered higher risk
These are broad guides only. Clinicians increasingly focus on LDL and non-HDL alongside the ratio, and targets differ by individual risk.
How to use the cholesterol ratio calculator
Choose your units (mg/dL or mmol/L).
Enter total cholesterol and HDL.
Optionally add LDL and triglycerides for more ratios.
Read your result. Ratios and non-HDL update instantly.
Cholesterol terms glossary
Term
What it means
HDL
“Good” cholesterol that helps clear other cholesterol.
LDL
“Bad” cholesterol linked to plaque build-up.
Triglycerides
A type of fat in the blood.
Non-HDL
Total cholesterol minus HDL.
Cholesterol Ratio FAQ
How do I calculate my cholesterol ratio?
Divide your total cholesterol by your HDL. For a total of 200 and HDL of 50,
the ratio is 4.0. Because it's a ratio, the units cancel out, so mg/dL and
mmol/L give the same number.
What is a good cholesterol ratio?
As a broad guide, a total:HDL ratio below about 3.5 is often considered
optimal, 3.5–5 desirable, and above 5 higher risk. These are general bands —
your clinician interprets them within your overall risk.
What is non-HDL cholesterol?
Non-HDL cholesterol is total cholesterol minus HDL. It captures all the
"non-good" cholesterol and is increasingly used alongside ratios to assess
cardiovascular risk.
Is the ratio more important than total cholesterol?
The ratio adds context that a single total number lacks, but modern guidance
also emphasises LDL and non-HDL cholesterol. No single figure tells the whole
story — a clinician looks at the full panel and your risk factors.
Does the unit (mg/dL or mmol/L) change the ratio?
No. Since the ratio divides one cholesterol value by another, the units
cancel, so the ratio is identical in either system. Non-HDL, however, is
shown in the units you enter.
Is the cholesterol ratio calculator free to use?
Yes, this cholesterol ratio calculator is completely free, needs no sign-up,
and gives instant results in your browser. It is informational only and not a
substitute for medical advice.
