LDL Cholesterol Calculator (Friedewald Equation)

How to do it

1. 1
   Step 1: Open LDL Cholesterol Calculator (Friedewald Equation) and add your input

   Type your numbers or text, add your file, or pick the options you need. Nothing is uploaded: everything stays in your browser.

2. 2
   Step 2: What LDL Cholesterol Calculator (Friedewald Equation) does

   Calculate LDL cholesterol from total cholesterol, HDL and triglycerides.

3. 3
   Step 3: Read the result and compare

   The result appears at once. Change one value to see how the answer moves, then keep the figure that fits your case.

4. 4
   Step 4: Copy or save it

   Copy the result or download it. For an important decision, confirm it with the official source or an adviser.

About this tool

Enter total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides in mg/dL. The calculator estimates LDL with the Friedewald equation and also shows VLDL, non-HDL cholesterol and the total/HDL ratio.

Formula

LDL = total cholesterol − HDL − triglycerides ÷ 5, all in mg/dL. VLDL is estimated as triglycerides ÷ 5, and non-HDL cholesterol is total minus HDL.

Limits

The equation is not valid when triglycerides are 400 mg/dL or more, and it is less accurate at low LDL or high triglycerides. Direct LDL measurement or other equations are then used. For mmol/L divide triglycerides by 2.2 instead of 5.

For information only. It does not replace a clinician's judgement or local protocols.

Worked example

Total 200, HDL 50 and triglycerides 150 mg/dL give a VLDL of 30 and an LDL of 120 mg/dL, with a non-HDL cholesterol of 150.

Tips for best results

Check every box before you rely on a result, because one wrong digit changes the whole answer. Use the exact figures from your payslip, bill, certificate or contract, and keep a note of the date you calculated. Rates, thresholds and rules change from time to time, so for tax, fees and legal matters treat the output as an estimate and confirm with the official source named on this page. You can run as many scenarios as you like; nothing is saved or sent, and refreshing the page clears the boxes.