LDL Cholesterol Calculator

mg/dL
mg/dL
mg/dL
Health

Calculate LDL cholesterol using the Friedewald equation.

Formula

LDL = TC − HDL − TG/5; VLDL = TG/5 (Friedewald 1972)
  • Valid only when TG < 400 mg/dL.
  • Non-HDL = TC − HDL (includes VLDL + IDL + LDL).
  • For TG >400: use Martin-Hopkins extended equation or direct LDL measurement.
  • AHA target for high-risk patients: LDL <70 mg/dL.

TC=200, HDL=50, TG=150

Inputs
  • Total Cholesterol: 200 mg/dL
  • HDL Cholesterol: 50 mg/dL
  • Triglycerides: 150 mg/dL

LDL = 200 − 50 − 30 = 120 mg/dL. VLDL = 30 mg/dL. Desirable.

Frequently asked questions

Is LDL <70 always the target?
AHA/ACC recommends LDL <70 mg/dL for very high-risk patients (ASCVD + additional risk factors). For primary prevention, targets depend on risk score and clinical context.