Enter your HDL, LDL, and Triglyceride values from a blood test to calculate your LDL/HDL ratio, Triglyceride/HDL ratio, and Total Cholesterol/HDL ratio. You'll also see your estimated Total Cholesterol and a cardiovascular risk assessment for each ratio.
Total Cholesterol / HDL Ratio
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Total Cholesterol
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LDL / HDL Ratio
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Triglyceride / HDL Ratio
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TC/HDL Risk Level
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LDL/HDL Risk Level
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Triglyceride/HDL Risk Level
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Total Cholesterol Category
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Three ratios are used: LDL/HDL (LDL divided by HDL), Triglyceride/HDL (triglycerides divided by HDL), and Total Cholesterol/HDL (TC divided by HDL). Total Cholesterol is estimated using the formula: TC = HDL + LDL + (0.2 × Triglycerides). Each ratio gives a different perspective on cardiovascular risk.
For the TC/HDL ratio, below 3.5 is considered ideal, 3.5–5.0 is acceptable, and 5.0 or above is considered high risk. For LDL/HDL, below 1.1 (men) or 1.5 (women) is very low risk. For Triglyceride/HDL, a ratio under 2.0 is generally considered healthy, while above 4.0 may signal increased insulin resistance.
Simply divide total cholesterol by HDL: 274 ÷ 61 ≈ 4.49. This TC/HDL ratio falls in the 'good' range (3.5–5.0), though lower is generally better. Always discuss your individual results with your doctor.
The calculation method is identical whether you use mg/dL or mmol/L — you divide one value by the other. The reference thresholds are the same numerically because ratios are unit-independent. Simply select mmol/L in this calculator and enter your values accordingly.
High cholesterol can result from a diet high in saturated and trans fats, physical inactivity, obesity, smoking, and genetic factors (familial hypercholesterolaemia). Certain medical conditions like hypothyroidism and type 2 diabetes can also raise LDL levels. Lifestyle changes and, when necessary, medication can effectively lower cholesterol.
While a very low TC/HDL ratio is generally a positive sign, extremely low total cholesterol (below 160 mg/dL) has been associated with some health concerns in research. However, most clinical guidelines focus on reducing high ratios rather than worrying about ratios that are too low. Always consult your physician for a full evaluation.
HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) transports cholesterol away from the arteries back to the liver, where it is processed and removed — hence 'good'. LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) carries cholesterol to cells but excess amounts can accumulate in artery walls, forming plaques that increase heart disease risk — hence 'bad'.
Effective lifestyle strategies include increasing soluble fibre (oats, beans, fruits), reducing saturated and trans fats, exercising regularly (at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week), maintaining a healthy weight, and quitting smoking. These changes can meaningfully raise HDL and lower LDL over time.