Cholesterol Ratio Calculator

Calculate TC/HDL, LDL/HDL, and triglyceride ratios. See cardiovascular risk levels.
mg/dL
mg/dL
mg/dL
mg/dL

TC/HDL Ratio

3.6

LDL/HDL Ratio

2.2

Trig/HDL Ratio

2.7

Non-HDL

145 mg/dL

Est. VLDL

30 mg/dL

Ratio Goals

Total/HDL Ratio< 5.0 (optimal < 3.5)
LDL/HDL Ratio< 3.5 (optimal < 2.5)
Triglycerides/HDL< 2.0 (optimal)
Non-HDL Cholesterol< 130 mg/dL

Your Risk Levels

TC/HDLBorderline
LDL/HDLOptimal
Trig/HDLBorderline
Non-HDLBorderline

Cholesterol ratios provide additional insight beyond individual numbers. VLDL is estimated as triglycerides/5 (Friedewald estimation). These are screening values — discuss results with your healthcare provider.

Use the Cholesterol Ratio Calculator above to calculate your results. Enter your values and see instant results — all calculations run in your browser.

Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.

How It Works

Our Cholesterol Ratio Calculator helps you understand your cardiovascular risk by computing key ratios: Total Cholesterol to HDL (TC/HDL), LDL to HDL (LDL/HDL), and Triglycerides to HDL (Trig/HDL). These ratios offer a more comprehensive insight into heart health than individual cholesterol numbers alone, as recognized by leading cardiologists in 2026. Understanding these ratios empowers you to make informed lifestyle choices and discuss your risk with your healthcare provider.

The calculator uses straightforward division to determine your ratios. For TC/HDL, your Total Cholesterol is divided by your HDL Cholesterol; for LDL/HDL, your LDL Cholesterol is divided by your HDL Cholesterol; and for Trig/HDL, your Triglycerides are divided by your HDL Cholesterol. These ratios are then compared against established clinical guidelines for cardiovascular risk stratification, including updated recommendations from the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology for 2026.

When using this calculator, ensure you have your most recent lipid panel results from a fasting blood test for accuracy. A common mistake is using non-fasting triglyceride numbers, which can be significantly elevated. Remember that these ratios are just one piece of the puzzle; discuss your results with your doctor, who can consider your full medical history and other risk factors.

Example: Understanding a Lipid Panel for a 45-year-old Male

  1. 1 A 45-year-old male receives his fasting lipid panel results: Total Cholesterol = 200 mg/dL, HDL = 40 mg/dL, LDL = 120 mg/dL, and Triglycerides = 150 mg/dL.
  2. 2 Using the calculator: TC/HDL = 200 / 40 = 5.0; LDL/HDL = 120 / 40 = 3.0; Trig/HDL = 150 / 40 = 3.75.
  3. 3 The calculated ratios are: TC/HDL = 5.0, LDL/HDL = 3.0, Trig/HDL = 3.75.
  4. 4 Based on 2026 guidelines, a TC/HDL ratio of 5.0 is considered elevated risk, an LDL/HDL ratio of 3.0 is moderate to high risk, and a Trig/HDL ratio of 3.75 is associated with increased cardiovascular risk. This individual should consult their doctor to discuss lifestyle modifications and potential interventions.

Source: CDC · Last updated: April 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good total cholesterol to HDL ratio?
A TC/HDL ratio below 3.5 is ideal. Below 5 is acceptable. Above 5 indicates higher cardiovascular risk. For example, total cholesterol of 200 with HDL of 60 gives a ratio of 3.3, which is excellent.
What cholesterol numbers should I aim for?
Ideal levels: total cholesterol under 200, LDL under 100 (under 70 for high-risk), HDL above 60, and triglycerides under 150. Your LDL/HDL ratio should be below 2.5. These targets may vary based on your individual risk factors and doctor recommendations.
Why is HDL called good cholesterol?
HDL (high-density lipoprotein) carries excess cholesterol from your arteries back to the liver for disposal, effectively cleaning your blood vessels. Higher HDL levels (above 60) are protective against heart disease. Exercise, healthy fats, and moderate alcohol intake can raise HDL.

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