LipidCalc

Cholesterol Ratio Calculator

Plug in your lipid panel — get the ratios that predict heart disease risk.

Total cholesterol

HDL (good)

LDL (bad)

Triglycerides

Risk level

Normal

Total/HDL ratio: 3.6

Total/HDL ratio: 3.6
LDL/HDL ratio: 2.2
Non-HDL: 145 mg/dL

What you entered

Total: 200HDL: 55LDL: 120Trig: 150

1
Total/HDL ratio
200 ÷ 55= 3.6 (normal <5)
2
LDL/HDL ratio
120 ÷ 55= 2.2 (optimal)
3
Non-HDL cholesterol
200 − 55= 145 mg/dL (near optimal)
4
Triglycerides
150 mg/dL= Borderline high

Result

Risk: Normal

Your total/HDL ratio is 3.6 (normal). HDL above 40 is good; LDL below 100 is optimal. Non-HDL cholesterol of 145 mg/dL is near optimal.

Cholesterol ratios and what they indicate

The total-to-HDL ratio is a better risk signal than total cholesterol alone. Below 3.5 is optimal, and above 5 indicates raised risk. Non-HDL cholesterol is total minus HDL.

Total	HDL	LDL	Triglycerides	Total/HDL	LDL/HDL	Non-HDL	Risk
160	65	80	90	2.5	1.2	95	Optimal
180	60	100	100	3.0	1.7	120	Optimal
200	50	130	120	4.0	2.6	150	Normal
220	40	150	150	5.5	3.8	180	High risk
240	35	170	200	6.9	4.9	205	High risk

All figures are mg/dL. Raising HDL improves the ratio just as much as lowering total cholesterol does, which is why the second and third rows differ despite a 20-point gap in total. Cardiovascular risk also depends on blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, and family history. General wellness information only, not medical advice. Discuss any health decision with a qualified clinician.

Why ratios matter more than total cholesterol alone

A total cholesterol of 220 mg/dL with an HDL of 70 (ratio 3.1) is lower risk than 200 mg/dL with an HDL of 35 (ratio 5.7). The AHA considers a total/HDL ratio below 5 desirable and below 3.5 optimal. Non-HDL cholesterol (total minus HDL) captures all atherogenic particles in one number.

Understanding LDL vs HDL

LDL ('bad') cholesterol deposits plaque in artery walls, while HDL ('good') cholesterol carries it away for disposal. Triglycerides above 150 mg/dL add independent risk. Lifestyle changes — exercise, fiber, healthy fats — raise HDL and lower LDL simultaneously.

Frequently asked questions

What is a good cholesterol ratio?

Total/HDL ratio: below 3.5 is optimal, below 5 is desirable, above 5 indicates higher risk. LDL/HDL ratio: below 2.5 is optimal. Non-HDL cholesterol: below 130 mg/dL is ideal. These ratios are better predictors of heart disease than total cholesterol alone because they capture the balance between harmful and protective cholesterol.

What do my cholesterol numbers mean?

Desirable levels: Total cholesterol < 200 mg/dL. LDL ('bad') < 100 mg/dL (< 70 if high-risk). HDL ('good') > 60 mg/dL (protective), < 40 mg/dL (risk factor). Triglycerides < 150 mg/dL. Your doctor evaluates these alongside other risk factors: age, blood pressure, smoking, family history, and diabetes.

How can I improve my cholesterol ratio?

To raise HDL: exercise 150+ min/week (raises HDL 5–10%), eat healthy fats (olive oil, nuts, avocado), moderate alcohol, quit smoking. To lower LDL: reduce saturated fat, increase soluble fiber (oats, beans), eat plant sterols, lose excess weight. Combined, these can improve your ratio by 15–25% within 3–6 months.