Input your cholesterol values
Results table
| Profile | Unit | Fasting | Total | HDL | Triglycerides | LDL | TC/HDL ratio | TG/HDL ratio | LDL/HDL ratio | Non-HDL | LDL category | Notes | Actions |
|---|
Ratios and categories use general population references. Individual targets vary widely.
Example data table
Illustrative values only. These examples show how numbers can change over time.
| Profile | Unit | Total | HDL | Triglycerides | LDL (estimated) | TC/HDL ratio | TG/HDL ratio | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Before keto | mg/dL | 220 | 45 | 160 | 143 | 4.89 | 3.56 | Higher triglycerides and ratio, discuss with a clinician. |
| Week 8 keto | mg/dL | 210 | 55 | 120 | 131 | 3.82 | 2.18 | HDL increased, ratios somewhat improved, monitor trends carefully. |
| Month 6 keto | mg/dL | 190 | 65 | 80 | 109 | 2.92 | 1.23 | Example of lower ratios, still requires personalised clinical interpretation. |
Example of using keto cholesterol calculator
Suppose your blood test report shows the following results, using mg/dL as the unit: total cholesterol 210, HDL cholesterol 55, and triglycerides 120. LDL cholesterol is not reported.
Leave LDL empty in the form, select mg/dL for units, and optionally label the profile “Week 8 keto”. Enter total cholesterol 210, HDL 55, and triglycerides 120, then click “Calculate and add to table”.
The calculator estimates LDL using the Friedewald-style equation:
- LDL = Total − HDL − (Triglycerides ÷ 5)
- LDL = 210 − 55 − (120 ÷ 5) = 210 − 55 − 24 = 131 mg/dL
It then derives the additional values:
- Non-HDL cholesterol = 210 − 55 = 155 mg/dL
- Total-to-HDL ratio = 210 ÷ 55 ≈ 3.82
- Triglyceride-to-HDL ratio = 120 ÷ 55 ≈ 2.18
- LDL-to-HDL ratio = 131 ÷ 55 ≈ 2.38
In the results table, you will see your label, units, fasting status, calculated LDL, all ratios, non-HDL value, and an LDL category. You can then export your row into CSV or PDF to track it alongside future or past keto phases and discuss the pattern with your healthcare professional.
Formulas used in this calculator
This calculator works with either mg/dL or mmol/L, as long as you keep units consistent within each profile.
- Non-HDL cholesterol = Total cholesterol − HDL cholesterol.
- Total-to-HDL ratio = Total cholesterol ÷ HDL cholesterol.
- Triglyceride-to-HDL ratio = Triglycerides ÷ HDL cholesterol.
- LDL-to-HDL ratio = LDL cholesterol ÷ HDL cholesterol.
-
Estimated LDL cholesterol (if you leave LDL blank):
- For mg/dL: LDL = Total − HDL − (Triglycerides ÷ 5).
- For mmol/L: LDL = Total − HDL − (Triglycerides ÷ 2.2).
-
Unit conversions (if you wish to convert):
- Cholesterol: mg/dL = mmol/L × 38.67; mmol/L = mg/dL ÷ 38.67.
- Triglycerides: mg/dL = mmol/L × 88.57; mmol/L = mg/dL ÷ 88.57.
These equations are widely used for lipid profiles, but some situations make them unreliable, such as very high triglycerides or certain medical conditions.
How to use this keto cholesterol calculator
- Collect your latest lipid panel, including total cholesterol, HDL, triglycerides, and LDL if available.
- Select the unit used by your laboratory, either mg/dL or mmol/L.
- Enter your values carefully into the form fields, using one row per profile.
- Optionally add a label such as a date, phase of your keto eating, or note like “before diet change”.
- Set your preferred decimal places and ratio highlighting threshold in the extra options panel.
- Click “Calculate and add to table” to generate ratios and non-HDL cholesterol.
- Repeat the process for earlier or later lab results to build a series of profiles.
- Use “Download CSV” to save results to a spreadsheet for graphing or longer term tracking.
- Use “Download PDF” to create a simple summary you can print or share during medical appointments.
- Review trends with a qualified healthcare professional familiar with ketogenic diets and lipid management.
Diet is only one of many factors influencing cholesterol, alongside genetics, medications, weight, activity, and other health conditions.
Typical laboratory reference ranges (illustrative)
| Marker | Example reference range* | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Total cholesterol | Below about 200 | mg/dL |
| HDL cholesterol | Above about 40 (men), 50 (women) | mg/dL |
| Triglycerides | Below about 150 | mg/dL |
| Non-HDL cholesterol | Often below 130 in many guidelines | mg/dL |
*Reference ranges differ between laboratories, populations, and guidelines. These values are only broad examples.
Illustrative cholesterol ratios and example interpretation
| Ratio type | Example value | Illustrative comment* |
|---|---|---|
| Total-to-HDL ratio | 3.0 | Often considered relatively favourable in many overviews. |
| Total-to-HDL ratio | 5.5 | Higher ratio that may prompt closer review of risk. |
| Triglyceride-to-HDL ratio | 1.2 | Lower value often seen as more favourable in some reports. |
| Triglyceride-to-HDL ratio | 4.0 | Example of a higher ratio sometimes linked to more risk. |
*These interpretations are simplified and may not apply to individuals. Always rely on clinician guidance.
Unit conversion quick reference for cholesterol testing
| Analyte | From | To | Approximate rule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total, LDL, HDL | mg/dL | mmol/L | Divide mg/dL value by 38.67 |
| Total, LDL, HDL | mmol/L | mg/dL | Multiply mmol/L value by 38.67 |
| Triglycerides | mg/dL | mmol/L | Divide mg/dL value by 88.57 |
| Triglycerides | mmol/L | mg/dL | Multiply mmol/L value by 88.57 |
Your laboratory may use slightly different conversion constants. Always check the report units.
Sample multi-phase keto tracking dataset
| Phase label | Total | HDL | Triglycerides | LDL (estimated) | TC/HDL ratio | TG/HDL ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-keto baseline | 230 | 42 | 190 | 150 | 5.48 | 4.52 |
| Month 3 strict keto | 215 | 54 | 130 | 135 | 3.98 | 2.41 |
| Month 6 relaxed keto | 205 | 60 | 110 | 123 | 3.42 | 1.83 |
| Month 9 maintenance | 198 | 63 | 95 | 116 | 3.14 | 1.51 |
These numbers are hypothetical and for demonstration only, not treatment targets.
Example flags using the ratio highlight setting
The highlight option in this calculator uses your chosen Total-to-HDL ratio threshold to colour rows in the results table, helping you quickly see profiles that cross that line.
- Threshold set to 5.0, ratio 4.2 → row marked as favourable.
- Threshold set to 5.0, ratio 5.6 → row highlighted for attention.
- Threshold set to 4.0, ratio 4.1 → row highlighted as above personal limit.
- Threshold set to 3.5, ratio 3.0 → row coloured as within self-defined range.
Threshold selection is personal and should be discussed with clinicians when possible.
Frequently asked questions about keto cholesterol calculator
Can this calculator diagnose cholesterol problems or replace medical care?
No. This calculator only organises and summarises cholesterol numbers from your laboratory report. It cannot diagnose conditions, change treatments, or predict events. Always use results as a discussion aid with your own healthcare professional.
Can I track multiple cholesterol tests over time with this tool?
Yes. You can enter older and newer blood test results as separate profiles using different labels. Exporting CSV or PDF allows long term tracking, graphing, and attaching summaries before clinic appointments for easier review and shared decision making.
How reliable are the estimated LDL cholesterol values in this calculator?
Estimated LDL values come from widely used equations that become less accurate with very high triglycerides, unusual lipid conditions, or some medications. Whenever LDL looks unexpected, rely on the direct laboratory value and your clinician’s interpretation.
How quickly might ketogenic eating change my cholesterol numbers?
Many people see triglycerides and HDL change within a few months of nutrition changes, but patterns vary greatly. Genetics, weight, movement, sleep, and medications also matter. Always decide testing frequency and goals together with your own healthcare professional.
Does this calculator store my data or send it anywhere automatically?
This static example script does not automatically send data to external servers. However, if you embed it into a website, your hosting, logging, or analytics configuration may record submissions. Always follow privacy regulations and clearly explain how information is used.