Cholesterol Ratio Calculator
Type in the numbers from your lab report. See the ratios that actually matter.
Common questions
What is a good total cholesterol to HDL ratio?
Divide your total cholesterol by your HDL. A ratio under 3.5 is considered very good, under 5 is acceptable, and above 5 suggests higher heart risk. The ratio often says more than total cholesterol alone, because a high total driven by high HDL is a different story than one driven by LDL.
What is non-HDL cholesterol and what should it be?
Non-HDL is simply your total cholesterol minus your HDL, so it captures all the particle types that can clog arteries in one number. For most adults, a non-HDL below 130 mg/dL (3.4 mmol/L) is the common target, and people at higher risk are often given a lower goal. Ask your own doctor what target fits your situation.
Does eating cholesterol raise my cholesterol?
Less than most people think. For the majority, cholesterol in food such as eggs has only a small effect on blood cholesterol, because the liver makes most of it. Saturated and trans fats, extra calories, and low activity matter more. A smaller group of people do respond strongly to dietary cholesterol, so it is still worth discussing your diet with your doctor.
At what cholesterol level do doctors suggest a statin?
There is no single number that triggers a statin. Doctors weigh your overall 10-year heart risk, using your age, blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, family history, and cholesterol together. A very high LDL, around 190 mg/dL (4.9 mmol/L) or more, usually prompts the conversation on its own, but the decision is always individual, so make it with your own doctor.