Why look at cholesterol ratios?
A standard lipid profile reports total cholesterol, HDL (“good”) cholesterol, LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and triglycerides. Looking at one number in isolation can be misleading: two people with a total cholesterol of 200 mg/dL can have very different risk if one has a high HDL and the other a low HDL. Cholesterol ratios and non-HDL cholesterol combine the numbers and often predict heart disease risk better. This free cholesterol ratio calculator works with mg/dL or mmol/L.
How the cholesterol ratio calculator works
- Total / HDL ratio = total cholesterol ÷ HDL
- LDL / HDL ratio = LDL ÷ HDL
- Triglyceride / HDL ratio = triglycerides ÷ HDL (both in mg/dL) — a simple marker of insulin resistance
- Non-HDL cholesterol = total cholesterol − HDL — all the “bad” cholesterol particles together
mmol/L results are converted to mg/dL (cholesterol × 38.67, triglycerides × 88.57) before calculating. Example: total 210 mg/dL and HDL 42 mg/dL give a ratio of 5.0 and non-HDL cholesterol of 168 mg/dL (borderline high).
Cholesterol ratio chart
| Measure | Ideal / desirable | Borderline | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total / HDL ratio | Under 3.5 | 3.5 – 4.9 | 5.0 or above |
| LDL / HDL ratio | Under 2.5 | 2.5 – 3.4 | 3.5 or above |
| Triglyceride / HDL (mg/dL) | Under 2 | 2 – 3.9 | 4 or above |
| Non-HDL cholesterol | Under 130 mg/dL (3.4 mmol/L) | 130 – 189 mg/dL | 190 mg/dL (4.9 mmol/L) or above |
| LDL cholesterol | Under 100 mg/dL (2.6 mmol/L) | 100 – 159 mg/dL | 160 mg/dL (4.1 mmol/L) or above |
| HDL cholesterol | 60 mg/dL (1.6 mmol/L) or higher | 40–59 (men), 50–59 (women) | Low: under 40 (men) / under 50 (women) |
| Triglycerides | Under 150 mg/dL (1.7 mmol/L) | 150 – 199 mg/dL | 200 mg/dL (2.3 mmol/L) or above |
People with diabetes, heart disease or high overall risk usually have lower LDL targets (for example under 70 or 55 mg/dL) set by their doctor.
Benefits of improving your cholesterol ratio
- Lower risk of heart attack and stroke.
- Early insight into insulin resistance: a high triglyceride/HDL ratio often appears years before diabetes.
- Diet makes a measurable difference — more fibre, healthy fats and less sugar can raise HDL and lower triglycerides within weeks.
Health warnings
- This calculator does not replace a full cardiovascular risk assessment by your doctor.
- Very high LDL (190 mg/dL / 4.9 mmol/L or more) or a family history of early heart disease may mean familial hypercholesterolaemia — ask your doctor.
- Triglycerides over 500 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L) raise the risk of pancreatitis and need prompt medical review.
- Do not stop statins or other medicines without medical advice.
Foods that improve cholesterol
Use olive oil instead of ghee and butter for everyday cooking, eat oily fish twice a week, add oats, barley, lentils and beans (soluble fibre), snack on nuts, and cut sugary drinks, sweets and refined white flour — these raise triglycerides. Read our guides to LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and cholesterol and diet.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good cholesterol ratio?
A total cholesterol to HDL ratio under 3.5 is ideal, and under 5 is generally acceptable. A ratio of 5 or more suggests higher heart disease risk.
How do I calculate my cholesterol ratio?
Divide your total cholesterol by your HDL cholesterol. For example, 200 ÷ 50 = 4.0. Both numbers must be in the same unit.
What does a high triglyceride to HDL ratio mean?
A triglyceride/HDL ratio of 4 or more (in mg/dL) is linked with insulin resistance, small dense LDL particles and higher heart risk. Cutting sugar and refined carbs and losing belly fat usually improves it.
What is non-HDL cholesterol?
It is total cholesterol minus HDL, representing all the cholesterol carried by harmful particles. Under 130 mg/dL (3.4 mmol/L) is desirable for most people.
Can I raise my HDL cholesterol?
Regular exercise, losing excess weight, stopping smoking and eating healthy fats such as olive oil, nuts and oily fish can raise HDL modestly.
Sources
- National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) ATP III. Detection, evaluation and treatment of high blood cholesterol in adults. 2002.
- Grundy SM, et al. 2018 AHA/ACC Guideline on the Management of Blood Cholesterol. Circulation 2019;139:e1082–e1143.
- Millán J, et al. Lipoprotein ratios: physiological significance and clinical usefulness in cardiovascular prevention. Vasc Health Risk Manag 2009;5:757–765.