HDL Cholesterol Calculator

Interpret adult HDL reference levels, calculate non-HDL and cholesterol ratios, or explore an approximate algebraic HDL estimate from a lipid panel.

HDL is the "good" cholesterol that carries excess cholesterol back to the liver for removal. This calculator checks your HDL against the standard ranges for men and women and works out the non-HDL figure and ratios clinicians look at. If you have total cholesterol, a directly measured LDL and triglycerides but no HDL value, it can also estimate HDL by rearranging the Friedewald equation.

How to use this tool

Choose whether to check a measured HDL or estimate one.
Pick mg/dL or mmol/L, and your sex — the low cut-off is different for men and women.
To check, enter HDL and, optionally, total cholesterol and LDL. To estimate, enter total cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides.
Read the HDL status, non-HDL cholesterol and ratios.

Formula

Algebraic HDL approximation = TC − LDL − TG ÷ 5 (mg/dL).

This rearrangement assumes the same VLDL approximation as Friedewald; it is not a replacement for measuring HDL. Both unit modes calculate in mg/dL first, converting cholesterol with 38.67 and triglycerides with 88.57. Non-HDL = TC − HDL and total/HDL = TC ÷ HDL. The approximation is withheld at triglycerides of 400 mg/dL or higher.

Example

Total cholesterol of 200 mg/dL, a direct LDL of 120 mg/dL and triglycerides of 150 mg/dL give HDL ≈ 200 − 120 − 150 ÷ 5 = 50 mg/dL. That is above the low cutoff for men and exactly at the low/not-low boundary for women. The total/HDL ratio is 200 ÷ 50 = 4.0 and non-HDL cholesterol is 150 mg/dL.

Frequently asked questions

What HDL level is healthy?

HDL below 40 mg/dL in men or below 50 mg/dL in women is generally called low. Higher HDL does not guarantee protection against heart disease or cancel a raised LDL level. Interpretation needs the full clinical picture.

How can I raise my HDL?

Regular aerobic exercise, stopping smoking, losing excess weight and swapping refined carbohydrates and trans fats for unsaturated fats can all raise HDL modestly. Drugs that raise HDL on their own have not been shown to prevent heart attacks, so treatment usually focuses on LDL and overall risk.

Why is non-HDL cholesterol useful?

Non-HDL is all the cholesterol carried by particles that can build up in artery walls, including LDL and VLDL. It needs no fasting and many guidelines use it alongside LDL. Under 130 mg/dL (3.4 mmol/L) is the usual healthy level for adults.

Sources

This tool gives an estimate for general information only. It is not financial, tax, legal or medical advice — check with a qualified professional before you rely on the result.

Last updated: 2026-10-30