LDL Cholesterol Calculator

Age (years)

Gender Male Female

Calculation Method Friedewald Equation (Standard) Martin/Hopkins Method Direct Measurement (Enter LDL directly)

Total Cholesterol (mg/dL)

HDL Cholesterol (mg/dL)

Triglycerides (mg/dL)

LDL Cholesterol (mg/dL)

Cardiovascular Risk Factors None 1-2 Risk Factors 3+ Risk Factors Diabetes or ASCVD

Your LDL Cholesterol Results

130 mg/dL

LDL Cholesterol 130 mg/dL

HDL Cholesterol 50 mg/dL

Triglycerides 150 mg/dL

Total Cholesterol 200 mg/dL

Non-HDL Cholesterol 150 mg/dL

Optimal
<100 Near Optimal
100-129 Borderline High
130-159 High
160-189 Very High
≥190

Interpretation

Your LDL cholesterol level is in the Borderline High range. For someone with 3+ cardiovascular risk factors, the recommended LDL goal is <100 mg/dL. Consider lifestyle changes and consult your doctor about possible interventions.

Your LDL Level Borderline High (130-159 mg/dL)

Recommended LDL Goal <100 mg/dL

Cholesterol Ratio (Total/HDL) 4.0

Recommendations

• Adopt a heart-healthy diet (Mediterranean or DASH diet)
• Increase physical activity (150+ minutes moderate exercise weekly)
• Reduce saturated fats and eliminate trans fats
• Increase soluble fiber intake (oats, beans, fruits)
• Consider plant sterols/stanols (2g/day)
• If overweight, aim for 5-10% weight loss
• Discuss with your doctor about possible medication

Note: This calculator provides estimates based on standard formulas. For medical advice, please consult a healthcare professional.

Calculation History

Date	Age	Gender	LDL	Category	Risk Factors	Actions

No Calculation History

Your calculation history will appear here after you save calculations.

×

About LDL Cholesterol

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is often called "bad cholesterol" because high levels can lead to plaque buildup in arteries and increase risk of heart disease and stroke.

LDL Calculation Methods

• Friedewald Equation (Standard):
  LDL = Total Cholesterol - HDL - (Triglycerides/5)
  Note: Less accurate when triglycerides >400 mg/dL
• Martin/Hopkins Method:
  More accurate adjustment for very low or high triglyceride levels
  Uses an adjustable factor instead of fixed 5
• Direct Measurement:
  Laboratory measurement of LDL particles

LDL Cholesterol Categories

LDL Level (mg/dL)	Category
<100	Optimal
100-129	Near optimal/above optimal
130-159	Borderline high
160-189	High
≥190	Very high

Recommended LDL Goals Based on Risk

Risk Category	LDL Goal
Low risk (0-1 risk factors)	<160 mg/dL
Moderate risk (2+ risk factors)	<130 mg/dL
High risk (ASCVD or diabetes)	<100 mg/dL
Very high risk (ASCVD + multiple risk factors)	<70 mg/dL

Cardiovascular Risk Factors

• Age (men ≥45, women ≥55)
• Family history of early heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Low HDL cholesterol (<40 mg/dL)
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Overweight/obesity
• Physical inactivity

Non-HDL Cholesterol

Non-HDL cholesterol (Total Cholesterol - HDL) is increasingly recognized as a better predictor of cardiovascular risk than LDL alone. It includes all atherogenic particles (LDL, VLDL, IDL, Lp(a)).

Data saved automatically

Understanding LDL Cholesterol: Your Complete Guide

Learn how to use our LDL Cholesterol Calculator to assess your heart health, understand your numbers, and get personalized recommendations

Have you ever looked at your cholesterol test results and wondered what those numbers really mean? You're not alone! LDL cholesterol, often called "bad cholesterol," is one of the most important numbers for understanding your heart health.

In this easy-to-understand guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about LDL cholesterol and show you how our calculator can help you make sense of your numbers.

What is LDL Cholesterol?

LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) is often called "bad cholesterol" because high levels can lead to plaque buildup in your arteries. Think of it as tiny delivery trucks that carry cholesterol through your bloodstream. When there are too many trucks (high LDL), they can start dropping cholesterol on your artery walls, creating traffic jams that can lead to heart problems.

Simple Analogy:

Imagine your arteries as highways:

• HDL cholesterol is like cleanup crews that remove debris
• LDL cholesterol is like delivery trucks that can drop packages
• Too many trucks (high LDL) = traffic jams and road damage
• Good cleanup crews (high HDL) = clear, smooth highways

Try Our LDL Cholesterol Calculator

No medical degree needed! Just enter your numbers and get clear explanations, personalized goals, and actionable recommendations.

Understanding Your Cholesterol Panel

A standard cholesterol test gives you four main numbers. Here's what each one means:

Total Cholesterol

The sum of all cholesterol in your blood. This includes LDL, HDL, and VLDL (very low-density lipoprotein).

Goal: Below 200 mg/dL

LDL Cholesterol

The "bad cholesterol" that builds up in arteries. The main number to watch for heart disease risk.

Goal: Below 100 mg/dL (varies by risk)

HDL Cholesterol

The "good cholesterol" that removes excess cholesterol from arteries. Higher is better!

Goal: Above 60 mg/dL

Triglycerides

A type of fat in your blood from excess calories. High levels increase heart disease risk.

Goal: Below 150 mg/dL

How LDL Cholesterol is Calculated

The Friedewald Equation (Most Common)

LDL = Total Cholesterol - HDL - (Triglycerides ÷ 5)

This formula estimates your LDL using the other three numbers from your cholesterol test.

Calculation Example:

If your test shows:

• Total Cholesterol: 200 mg/dL
• HDL (good cholesterol): 50 mg/dL
• Triglycerides: 150 mg/dL

LDL = 200 - 50 - (150 ÷ 5) = 200 - 50 - 30 = 120 mg/dL

Other Calculation Methods

Our calculator offers three different methods:

• Friedewald Equation: Standard method used by most labs (works best when triglycerides are under 400)
• Martin/Hopkins Method: More accurate for very low or high triglyceride levels
• Direct Measurement: If your lab directly measured your LDL (most accurate)

What Do Your LDL Numbers Mean?

Not all LDL levels are created equal. Here's how to interpret your results:

LDL Level (mg/dL)	Category	What It Means
Below 100	Optimal	Excellent! Your LDL level is ideal for heart health
100-129	Near Optimal	Good, but could be better. Consider lifestyle improvements
130-159	Borderline High	Moderate risk. Time to take action with diet and exercise
160-189	High	Significant risk. Consider talking to your doctor about options
190+	Very High	High risk. Medical attention recommended

Your Personal LDL Goal

Your ideal LDL level depends on your personal risk factors. Our calculator helps you determine the right goal for you based on:

Age (men ≥45, women ≥55)

Family history of heart disease

High blood pressure

Smoking

Low HDL cholesterol

Diabetes

Physical inactivity

Overweight/obesity

Important Note:

Your LDL goal becomes more strict with more risk factors. Someone with diabetes or existing heart disease needs a much lower LDL target than someone with no risk factors.

How to Use the LDL Cholesterol Calculator

Step 1: Gather Your Test Results

You'll need your latest cholesterol test results. Look for these numbers:

• Total Cholesterol
• HDL Cholesterol (good cholesterol)
• Triglycerides

Step 2: Enter Your Information

The calculator asks for:

• Age: Risk increases with age
• Gender: Men and women have different risk patterns
• Your cholesterol numbers: From your test results
• Risk factors: Select the ones that apply to you

Step 3: Choose Calculation Method

Select the method your lab used or choose the standard Friedewald equation. Our calculator handles all three methods!

Track Your Progress Over Time

Save your calculations to track changes. See how lifestyle changes affect your numbers and celebrate your improvements!

Understanding Your Results

Our calculator doesn't just give you a number - it provides complete analysis:

Risk Meter

Visual gauge showing exactly where your LDL falls on the risk scale from Optimal to Very High.

Personalized Goal

Your specific LDL target based on your age, gender, and risk factors.

Clear Interpretation

Plain English explanation of what your numbers mean for your health.

Actionable Advice

Specific recommendations tailored to your results and risk level.

Beyond LDL: Other Important Numbers

Non-HDL Cholesterol

This is your total cholesterol minus your HDL. It includes all the "bad" cholesterol particles and is becoming increasingly important in heart disease prediction.

Non-HDL Cholesterol Formula

Non-HDL = Total Cholesterol - HDL

Goal: Less than 130 mg/dL (or 30 points above your LDL goal)

Cholesterol Ratio

This is your total cholesterol divided by your HDL. Many doctors consider this the best single number for predicting heart disease risk.

Cholesterol Ratio Formula

Ratio = Total Cholesterol ÷ HDL

Goal: Below 5:1 (ideal is 3.5:1 or lower)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What's a "good" LDL level?

For most people, below 100 mg/dL is optimal. However, if you have risk factors like diabetes or heart disease, your goal might be below 70 mg/dL. Our calculator personalizes this based on your specific situation.

2. Why is LDL called "bad cholesterol"?

LDL particles can deposit cholesterol in artery walls, forming plaques that narrow arteries and increase heart attack and stroke risk. Think of it as construction debris that can block your body's highways (arteries).

3. Can my LDL be too low?

For most people, no. Very low LDL (below 50 mg/dL) is generally safe and may even be protective. However, extremely low levels in certain medical conditions should be monitored by a doctor.

4. How accurate is the Friedewald equation?

It's very accurate when triglycerides are below 400 mg/dL. For higher triglyceride levels, the Martin/Hopkins method (available in our calculator) is more accurate. Direct lab measurement is always most accurate.

5. Should I fast before a cholesterol test?

Yes, for accurate triglyceride measurement. Fast for 9-12 hours (water only) before your test. This ensures triglycerides aren't temporarily elevated from recent meals.

6. How often should I check my cholesterol?

Adults should get tested every 4-6 years. Those with high cholesterol, risk factors, or on cholesterol medication should be tested more frequently (every 6-12 months).

7. What affects LDL levels?

Diet (saturated and trans fats), exercise, weight, genetics, age, gender, certain medications, and medical conditions all affect LDL levels.

8. Can I lower my LDL without medication?

Yes! Lifestyle changes can lower LDL by 10-20%: Reduce saturated fats, increase fiber, exercise regularly, maintain healthy weight, and don't smoke. Our calculator provides specific recommendations.

9. What's the difference between LDL and HDL?

LDL delivers cholesterol to tissues (can deposit in arteries). HDL removes excess cholesterol and returns it to the liver. Think LDL = "loading" cholesterol, HDL = "hauling away" cholesterol.

10. Why do I need to know my triglycerides?

High triglycerides (≥150 mg/dL) increase heart disease risk independently and affect LDL calculation accuracy. They're also linked to metabolic syndrome and diabetes risk.

11. What if my triglycerides are over 400?

The standard Friedewald equation becomes less accurate. Use the Martin/Hopkins method in our calculator or direct LDL measurement. Also, triglycerides this high need medical attention.

12. What's non-HDL cholesterol and why does it matter?

Non-HDL includes ALL "bad" cholesterol particles (LDL, VLDL, IDL). Many experts now consider it a better predictor of heart disease risk than LDL alone.

13. How does age affect cholesterol goals?

While cholesterol matters at all ages, LDL goals become more important with age. Men over 45 and women over 55 (or after menopause) need to be more vigilant.

14. Can I save and track my cholesterol results?

Yes! Our calculator has a history feature that lets you save results, track changes over time, and export data for your doctor visits.

15. When should I see a doctor about my cholesterol?

See your doctor if: LDL ≥190 mg/dL, LDL ≥160 mg/dL with risk factors, LDL ≥130 mg/dL with diabetes/heart disease, or if lifestyle changes don't lower your levels enough.

Taking Action: What to Do Next

Knowledge is power, but action creates change. Here's your simple action plan:

Step 1: Calculate

Use our calculator to understand your current LDL level and personal goal.

Step 2: Consult

Share your results with your doctor, especially if your LDL is high.

Step 3: Modify

Implement the dietary and lifestyle recommendations from the calculator.

Step 4: Monitor

Re-test in 3-6 months and use our history feature to track progress.

Remember:

Cholesterol management is a marathon, not a sprint. Small, consistent changes make the biggest difference. Our calculator is your companion on this journey to better heart health.