Inputs
Results
Enter values and press Compute Ratios to see results.
History (local only)
| Saved | Units | TC | HDL | LDL | TG | TC/HDL | LDL/HDL | TG/HDL | Non-HDL | Remnant | VLDL | AIP | ApoB | ApoA1 | ApoB/ApoA1 |
|---|
Batch Import (CSV)
Columns accepted: units,tc,hdl,ldl,tg,apob,apoa1. Units: mgdl or mmol. Header optional.
| # | Units | TC | HDL | LDL | TG | TC/HDL | LDL/HDL | TG/HDL | Non-HDL | Remnant | VLDL | AIP | ApoB/ApoA1 |
|---|
Formula Used
- TC/HDL = TC ÷ HDL. (Castelli I)
- LDL/HDL = LDL ÷ HDL. (Castelli II)
- TG/HDL = TG ÷ HDL.
- Non-HDL = TC − HDL.
- Remnant = TC − LDL − HDL.
- VLDL (est.): mg/dL ≈ TG/5, mmol/L ≈ TG×0.456.
- LDL (Friedewald est.): LDL ≈ TC − HDL − TG/5 (mg/dL).
- AIP = log10(TGmmol/HDLmmol).
- ApoB/ApoA1 = ApoB ÷ ApoA1.
- Percent shares: HDL% = 100×HDL/TC; LDL% = 100×LDL/TC.
Conversion: cholesterol 1 mmol/L = 38.67 mg/dL (↔0.02586); triglycerides 1 mmol/L = 88.57 mg/dL (↔0.01129). Friedewald invalid when TG very high, or with non-fasting dyslipidemias.
Guideposts vary: desirable TC/HDL often <3.5; borderline 3.5–5; higher >5. Use with clinical context.
How to Use This Calculator
- Choose units and enter TC and HDL. Other fields optional.
- Click Compute Ratios. Review extended metrics and flags.
- Download results or add them to the local history.
- Use batch import to process many rows from a CSV file.
- Share inputs using the URL; values will auto-load on open.
Disclaimer: Educational tool only. Not medical advice. Discuss results with a qualified professional.
Cholesterol Ratio Data & Reference
1) Typical Ratio Reference Ranges
| Metric | Desirable | Borderline | Higher Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| TC/HDL | < 3.5 | 3.5 – 5.0 | > 5.0 |
| LDL/HDL | < 2.0 | 2.0 – 3.0 | > 3.0 |
| TG/HDL | < 2.0 | 2.0 – 3.0 | > 3.0 |
Ranges are educational illustrations; actual targets vary by guideline and patient context.
2) Conversion & Estimation Factors
| Quantity | mg/dL → mmol/L | mmol/L → mg/dL | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cholesterol (TC, LDL, HDL, Non‑HDL) | × 0.02586 | × 38.67 | Standard lab factor |
| Triglycerides | × 0.01129 | × 88.57 | Standard lab factor |
| VLDL (estimate) | ≈ TG × 0.0912 | ≈ TG ÷ 5 | Heuristic from TG |
| LDL (Friedewald) | LDL ≈ TC − HDL − TG/5 (mg/dL) | Unreliable with very high TG | |
3) Interpretation Quick Examples
| TC | HDL | LDL | TG | TC/HDL | LDL/HDL | TG/HDL | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 198 | 58 | 120 | 110 | 3.41 | 2.07 | 1.90 | All within favorable ranges |
| 220 | 45 | 150 | 180 | 4.89 | 3.33 | 4.00 | Borderline to high; context needed |
| 172 | 49 | 99 | 140 | 3.51 | 2.02 | 2.86 | Generally acceptable, monitor TG/HDL |
4) Non‑HDL, Remnant, and Percent Shares
| Derived Metric | Formula | Interpretive Idea |
|---|---|---|
| Non‑HDL | TC − HDL | Captures all atherogenic lipoproteins |
| Remnant | TC − LDL − HDL | Proxy for triglyceride‑rich remnants |
| HDL % of TC | 100 × HDL / TC | Higher percentages often more favorable |
| LDL % of TC | 100 × LDL / TC | Contextualizes LDL within total cholesterol |
Educational reference only; not medical advice. Discuss numbers with a qualified professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) What do TC/HDL and LDL/HDL mean?
They are risk-oriented ratios. TC/HDL summarizes total cholesterol relative to HDL. LDL/HDL highlights balance between LDL and HDL. Lower values generally indicate lower cardiovascular risk, but interpretation must consider clinical context and guidelines.
2) Should I fast before measuring these lipids?
Fasting improves triglyceride stability, affecting TG/HDL and Friedewald LDL. Many labs accept non‑fasting panels; clinicians interpret accordingly. Follow your provider’s instructions for the most reliable and comparable results over time.
3) What is a desirable TC/HDL ratio?
Educational thresholds often label less than 3.5 as desirable, 3.5–5 borderline, and over 5 higher risk. Targets can differ by guidelines, comorbidities, and overall risk profile determined by your healthcare professional.
4) When is the Friedewald LDL estimate unreliable?
It becomes unreliable with very high triglycerides, certain dyslipidemias, or non‑fasting states. Direct LDL or alternative formulas may be considered by clinicians. The calculator shows both measured LDL (if given) and the estimate for comparison.
5) What is the Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP)?
AIP is log10(TGmmol/HDLmmol). Lower values tend to be favorable. It loosely reflects small, dense LDL tendency but is not diagnostic. Use alongside other markers and clinical judgment rather than alone.
6) How can I improve these ratios?
Lifestyle commonly helps: balanced diet emphasizing whole foods, appropriate caloric intake, regular activity, adequate sleep, and avoiding tobacco. Medication may be indicated by clinicians based on overall risk assessment and individual goals.
7) What does remnant cholesterol indicate?
Remnant cholesterol approximates cholesterol in triglyceride‑rich lipoproteins. Elevated remnants may associate with atherosclerotic risk, especially with insulin resistance or high triglycerides. It complements LDL, non‑HDL, and ratio‑based assessments in broader evaluation.
Information here is educational only and not medical advice.