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Cholesterol Ratio Calculator and Triglyceride/HDL Ratio
The cholesterol ratio is total cholesterol divided by HDL cholesterol. A total of 200 and an HDL of 50 mg/dL give a ratio of 4.0. LDL/HDL, triglyceride/HDL and non-HDL (total minus HDL) come from the same lipid panel. One review proposed a total/HDL risk level above 5.0 for men and 4.5 for women in primary prevention.
Prepared by Prospyr · Reviewed October 3, 2026 · Free, no sign-up, runs in your browser
Calculated or direct. Leave blank to skip LDL/HDL.
Leave blank to skip TG/HDL.
Total cholesterol / HDL ratio
4
LDL / HDL
2.4
Non-HDL-C
150 mg/dL
Total minus HDL
Triglyceride / HDL
3 (mg/dL basis)
1.31 on an mmol/L basis
Decision support only; it does not replace clinical judgment. Cut-offs are quoted from the studies cited below.
Cut-offs reported in the literature
Each row quotes a published source and compares your number to it. They come from different populations and are not interchangeable.
| Ratio | Cut-off quoted | Source | Your value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total / HDL | Risk level above 5.0 (male, primary prevention) | Millán 2009 review | At or below |
| LDL / HDL | Risk level above 3.5 (male, primary prevention) | Millán 2009 review | At or below |
| TG / HDL | 3.0 in traditional (mg/dL) units, the best cut-point to flag insulin resistance in overweight non-diabetic adults | McLaughlin 2003 | Above |
Cholesterol ratio formulas
- Total cholesterol ratio: total cholesterol ÷ HDL
- LDL/HDL ratio: LDL ÷ HDL
- Triglyceride/HDL ratio: triglycerides ÷ HDL (unit-dependent)
- Non-HDL cholesterol: total − HDL
Worked example
Total 200, HDL 50, LDL 120, triglycerides 150 (all mg/dL).
| Measure | Math | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Total / HDL | 200 ÷ 50 | 4.0 |
| LDL / HDL | 120 ÷ 50 | 2.4 |
| TG / HDL | 150 ÷ 50 | 3.0 (about 1.3 in mmol/L) |
| Non-HDL | 200 − 50 | 150 mg/dL |
Cholesterol ratio ranges reported in studies
Millán and colleagues reviewed lipoprotein ratios and listed primary-prevention risk levels of total/HDL above 5.0 (men) and 4.5 (women), and LDL/HDL above 3.5 (men) and 3.0 (women), with lower targets for secondary prevention. For triglyceride to HDL ratio, McLaughlin and colleagues found a cut-point of 3.0 in traditional units for identifying insulin-resistant overweight adults.
These figures come from specific groups and are not interchangeable. Related: the LDL calculator and HOMA-IR calculator.
In a practice workflow
Practices that review lipid panels can store them with the visit in charting. The med spa software page shows how the rest of the practice fits around it.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate my cholesterol ratio?
Divide total cholesterol by HDL cholesterol, both in the same units. Total 200 mg/dL and HDL 50 mg/dL give 4.0. The ratio has no unit, so mg/dL and mmol/L give the same total/HDL answer.
How do I calculate the triglyceride to HDL ratio?
Divide triglycerides by HDL. Unlike total/HDL, this ratio changes with the unit system, because triglycerides and HDL use different conversion factors. 150 mg/dL over 50 mg/dL is 3.0, while the same panel in mmol/L is about 1.31. The calculator shows both.
What is a good cholesterol ratio?
No single number applies to everyone. Millán and colleagues (2009) proposed total/HDL risk levels above 5.0 for men and 4.5 for women, and LDL/HDL above 3.5 for men and 3.0 for women, in primary prevention. This tool quotes those figures and does not say what is good for an individual patient.
What triglyceride to HDL ratio is reported in studies?
McLaughlin and colleagues (2003) found 3.0 in traditional units was the optimal cut-point for flagging insulin resistance among 258 overweight non-diabetic adults, with 64% sensitivity and 68% specificity. The paper also lists 1.8 for SI units; standard unit factors convert 3.0 to about 1.3, so check units before comparing.
What is non-HDL cholesterol?
Non-HDL cholesterol is total cholesterol minus HDL cholesterol. It includes LDL and other atherogenic particles. A panel with total 200 and HDL 50 mg/dL has a non-HDL of 150 mg/dL.
Does this calculator assess heart risk?
No. It calculates ratios and quotes published cut-offs. Cardiovascular risk depends on many other factors and is the treating provider's call.
Sources and scope
- Millán J et al. Lipoprotein ratios: Physiological significance and clinical usefulness in cardiovascular prevention. Vasc Health Risk Manag 2009;5:757-65
Peer-reviewed review. Source of the total/HDL and LDL/HDL cut-offs by sex (Table 1).
- McLaughlin T et al. Use of metabolic markers to identify overweight individuals who are insulin resistant. Ann Intern Med 2003;139:802-9
Peer-reviewed. Source of the TG/HDL cut-point of 3.0 (traditional units).
Decision support only; it does not replace clinical judgment. Ratios are calculated as defined and cut-offs are quoted from the cited studies. The tool does not assess cardiovascular risk or recommend treatment.