Health Measurements
LDL Cholesterol Calculator
LDL Cholesterol Calculator estimate LDL cholesterol with the Friedewald equation and report non-HDL and estimated VLDL cholesterol.
Health Measurements
LDL Cholesterol Calculator
Estimate LDL cholesterol with the Friedewald equation and report non-HDL and estimated VLDL cholesterol.
Formula
LDL-C = total cholesterol - HDL-C - triglycerides/5, using mg/dL.
About the LDL Cholesterol Calculator
Estimate LDL cholesterol with the Friedewald equation and report non-HDL and estimated VLDL cholesterol.
How the LDL Cholesterol Calculator Works
Triglycerides divided by five estimate VLDL cholesterol; HDL and estimated VLDL are subtracted from total cholesterol.
Formula
LDL-C = total cholesterol - HDL-C - triglycerides/5, using mg/dL.
The calculation runs in your browser. Values are validated for required ranges, compatible units, and method-specific restrictions before results are displayed.
Required Inputs
- Total cholesterol (required) - enter in mg/dL.
- HDL cholesterol (required) - enter in mg/dL.
- Triglycerides (required) - enter in mg/dL.
Results Reported
The result panel reports the final answer and the intermediate quantities needed to check the calculation:
- Estimated VLDL cholesterol (mg/dL)
- Estimated LDL cholesterol (mg/dL)
- Non-HDL cholesterol (mg/dL)
LDL Cholesterol Calculator Example
Select Example Data in the calculator to load this reproducible input set:
| Input | Example value |
|---|---|
| Total cholesterol | 200 mg/dL |
| HDL cholesterol | 50 mg/dL |
| Triglycerides | 150 mg/dL |
How to Use the Calculator
- Confirm that the calculator title and formula match the quantity you need.
- Enter every required value using the unit shown with its field.
- Select Example Data to inspect a valid input set, or enter your own values and select Calculate.
- Review all reported values and the displayed formula before using the answer.
- Use Copy Result or Download CSV when you need a reusable record.
Accuracy and Limitations
The Friedewald estimate is not valid at triglycerides of 400 mg/dL or higher and can be inaccurate in nonfasting or dyslipidemic samples. Use a laboratory result and clinician interpretation.
Keep units consistent, use measurements that represent the actual situation, retain full precision during the calculation, and round only the final answer. Professional decisions may require current official rules, field measurements, laboratory methods, or specialist review.
Formula References
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the LDL Cholesterol Calculator calculate?
Estimate LDL cholesterol with the Friedewald equation and report non-HDL and estimated VLDL cholesterol.
Which formula does the LDL Cholesterol Calculator use?
LDL-C = total cholesterol - HDL-C - triglycerides/5, using mg/dL.
What should I verify before using this result?
The Friedewald estimate is not valid at triglycerides of 400 mg/dL or higher and can be inaccurate in nonfasting or dyslipidemic samples. Use a laboratory result and clinician interpretation.