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LDL Cholesterol Calculator

Calculate LDL cholesterol using the Friedewald equation: LDL = Total Cholesterol − HDL − (Triglycerides/5). Optimal LDL is below 100 mg/dL; above 190 mg/dL is very high risk.

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Why: This page explains what the LDL Cholesterol calculator does, what to enter, and how to read the results—without repeating the overview above.

How: Enter your values in the calculator fields below, keep units consistent, then run the calculation to see results and any step-by-step work shown on this page.

Run the calculator when you are ready.

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From lipid panel
mg/dL
Good cholesterol
mg/dL
Fasting; under 400 for Friedewald
mg/dL
Enter valid Total Cholesterol, HDL, and Triglycerides (all positive)

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before acting on results.

LDL cholesterol is calculated using the Friedewald equation: LDL = Total Cholesterol − HDL − (Triglycerides ÷ 5). Optimal LDL is below 100 mg/dL; above 190 mg/dL indicates very high cardiovascular risk. AHA/ACC 2018 guidelines.

<100
Optimal (mg/dL)
100-129
Near Optimal
160-189
High
≥190
Very High

Sources: AHA/ACC 2018, Friedewald 1972, CDC.

Key Takeaways

  • • Friedewald: LDL = TC − HDL − (TG ÷ 5); valid when TG <400 mg/dL
  • • LDL <100 mg/dL is optimal for most adults; targets vary by ASCVD risk
  • • Non-HDL cholesterol (TC − HDL) is an alternative target, especially with high TG
  • • Fasting 9-12 hours before lipid panel improves accuracy

Did You Know?

🔢 Friedewald formula published 1972, still widely used
📊 VLDL ≈ Triglycerides ÷ 5 (mg/dL)
💡 Statins typically reduce LDL by 30-50%
🌍 ~93 million US adults have high cholesterol (CDC)
📈 Non-HDL may be better predictor when TG elevated
🎯 LDL ≥190 mg/dL often indicates familial hypercholesterolemia

How Does LDL Calculation Work?

Friedewald Equation

LDL = Total Cholesterol − HDL − (Triglycerides ÷ 5). The TG/5 estimates VLDL cholesterol.

Limitations

Unreliable when TG ≥400 mg/dL. Non-fasting samples can inflate TG and underestimate LDL.

Alternatives

Direct LDL measurement, Martin-Hopkins, or Sampson-NIH equations for high TG.

Expert Tips

Fast 9-12 hours before lipid panel for accurate results
Discuss statin therapy if LDL ≥190 or high ASCVD risk
Lifestyle: reduce saturated fat, increase fiber, exercise
Recheck 4-12 weeks after starting statin

LDL Categories (AHA/ACC)

LDL (mg/dL)CategoryRisk
<100OptimalLow
100-129Near OptimalLow-Moderate
130-159Borderline HighModerate
160-189HighHigh
≥190Very HighVery High

Frequently Asked Questions

What is LDL cholesterol?

LDL (low-density lipoprotein) is the &quot;bad&quot; cholesterol that can build up in artery walls. Optimal LDL is below 100 mg/dL. Above 190 mg/dL indicates very high cardiovascular risk per AHA/ACC guidelines.

How is LDL calculated?

The Friedewald equation: LDL = Total Cholesterol − HDL − (Triglycerides ÷ 5). Valid when triglycerides are below 400 mg/dL. Requires fasting lipid panel.

What is a good LDL level?

Optimal: &lt;100 mg/dL. Near optimal: 100-129. Borderline high: 130-159. High: 160-189. Very high: ≥190 mg/dL. Targets vary by cardiovascular risk.

When is the Friedewald formula inaccurate?

When triglycerides exceed 400 mg/dL, or with non-fasting samples. Direct LDL measurement or Martin-Hopkins/Sampson equations may be used instead.

How often should LDL be checked?

Adults 20+ every 5 years if low risk. Every 1-2 years if risk factors present. Every 4-12 weeks when starting or adjusting statin therapy.

What affects LDL levels?

Diet (saturated fat), genetics, weight, exercise, medications (statins), thyroid disease, and liver function. Fasting 9-12 hours before the test improves accuracy.

Key Statistics

400
TG limit for Friedewald (mg/dL)
30-50%
LDL reduction with statins
100
Optimal LDL target (mg/dL)
93M
US adults with high cholesterol

Official Data Sources

AHA/ACC Cholesterol Guidelines ↗
2018 AHA/ACC lipid management
CDC Cholesterol ↗
US cholesterol statistics
NIH MedlinePlus ↗
Patient education on cholesterol
Friedewald Original ↗
1972 Friedewald equation publication

⚠️ Disclaimer: This calculator is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.

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