Last updated October 10, 2026 · Report an error
This calculator computes two cholesterol ratios commonly cited alongside a standard lipid panel: Total Cholesterol / HDL, and LDL / HDL. This calculator is for general reference and educational purposes only — it is not a medical diagnosis. Consult a doctor for actual cardiovascular risk assessment.
How it works
Enter your total cholesterol, HDL, and LDL values (all in mg/dL) from a lipid panel. The tool divides total cholesterol by HDL, and LDL by HDL.
- Enter total cholesterol (mg/dL).
- Enter hDL cholesterol (mg/dL).
- Enter lDL cholesterol (mg/dL).
- Click Calculate to see your results.
Examples
Total 200, HDL 50, LDL 120 (mg/dL)
Total/HDL ratio = 200/50 = 4.0. LDL/HDL ratio = 120/50 = 2.4.
Who should use it
- Reviewing lipid panel results alongside a doctor.
- General cardiovascular health education.
Industry applications
- Primary care and cardiology reference
- Patient health education
Advantages
- Simple, transparent arithmetic from values you already have on a lipid panel.
- Ratios are widely referenced in patient education materials.
Limitations
- Ratios alone do not replace a full cardiovascular risk assessment.
- Reference targets vary by guideline and individual risk factors.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using non-fasting lipid values, which can affect triglyceride-derived numbers like calculated LDL.
- Treating a single ratio in isolation instead of the full lipid panel and overall risk profile.
Best practices
- Track your cholesterol ratios over time using panels drawn under similar conditions (e.g. fasting).
Tips
- Discuss your full lipid panel — not just the ratios — with your doctor for actual risk assessment.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, with no signup and no limit on how many calculations you run.
A ratio below 3.5 is commonly cited as desirable, with higher ratios associated with greater cardiovascular risk — but exact targets vary by guideline and individual risk factors. Ask your doctor how to interpret your result.
Ratios are sometimes used alongside individual lipid values as an additional perspective on cardiovascular risk, since they relate "bad" and "good" cholesterol together.
No — this tool reports the arithmetic ratios only. Consult a doctor for actual cardiovascular risk assessment.