LDL Calculator. Calculate your LDL cholesterol using the Friedewald equation. Enter your total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides (all in mg/dL) to get your estimated LDL-C value along with a risk category interpretation. All three values come from a standard lipid panel blood test. Also try the Cholesterol Ratio Calculator.
Estimated LDL Cholesterol
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LDL Category
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Estimated VLDL
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Non-HDL Cholesterol
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The Friedewald equation estimates LDL as: LDL = Total Cholesterol − HDL − (Triglycerides ÷ 5). The triglycerides ÷ 5 portion estimates VLDL cholesterol. This formula was developed in 1972 and is the most widely used method in clinical labs worldwide. See also our use the LDL Cholesterol Calculator.
According to standard guidelines: below 100 mg/dL is optimal, 100–129 mg/dL is near optimal, 130–159 mg/dL is borderline high, 160–189 mg/dL is high, and 190 mg/dL or above is very high. Your target LDL may be lower (e.g. below 70 mg/dL) if you have heart disease or diabetes — always consult your doctor.
Using the Friedewald equation: LDL = 230 − 47 − (123 ÷ 5) = 230 − 47 − 24.6 = 158.4 mg/dL. This falls in the 'borderline high' category and should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Total cholesterol = LDL + HDL + VLDL (where VLDL ≈ Triglycerides ÷ 5). So if you know your LDL, HDL, and triglycerides, you can rearrange the formula: TC = LDL + HDL + (TG ÷ 5).
Yes. The Friedewald equation is considered inaccurate when triglycerides exceed 400 mg/dL, in patients with type III hyperlipoproteinemia, or when chylomicrons are present (e.g. non-fasting samples). In these cases, direct LDL measurement is recommended. This calculator will flag values above 400 mg/dL.
Achieving LDL below 70 mg/dL typically requires a combination of dietary changes (reducing saturated and trans fats), regular aerobic exercise, and often statin medications. For very high-risk patients, additional therapies like PCSK9 inhibitors or ezetimibe may be prescribed by a cardiologist.
Non-HDL cholesterol includes all cholesterol carried by atherogenic (artery-clogging) particles — LDL, VLDL, IDL, and lipoprotein(a). It is calculated as Total Cholesterol − HDL. Non-HDL is considered a better predictor of cardiovascular risk than LDL alone, and its optimal level is generally 30 mg/dL higher than the target LDL.
Fasting (typically 9–12 hours) is traditionally recommended before a lipid panel because eating raises triglyceride levels, which affects the Friedewald LDL estimate. Many labs now perform non-fasting lipid panels, but the Friedewald formula is most accurate on fasting samples with triglycerides below 400 mg/dL. You might also find our ASCVD Risk Calculator useful.