Heart & metabolic risk
Cholesterol ratio calculator
Work out your total-cholesterol-to-HDL ratio and your non-HDL cholesterol from your lipid panel, and see how the ratio fits into cardiovascular risk — with the caveat that it is only one piece.
Enter your values above to see your result and what it means.
What is the cholesterol ratio (total/HDL)?
The cholesterol ratio divides your total cholesterol by your HDL ("good") cholesterol, giving a single number that summarises the balance between them. A lower ratio generally reflects a more favourable balance, while a higher one means total cholesterol is large relative to protective HDL. Because it combines two values, the ratio can add context that either number alone does not.
What is a good cholesterol ratio?
Many labs and guidelines describe lower total/HDL ratios as more desirable, but the exact target and how it applies to you depend on your overall risk picture and the reference range on your report. This calculator shows your ratio so you can compare it to the figures your clinician uses, not to set a goal on its own. Read it as one input among several, including LDL, blood pressure, and family history.
What is non-HDL cholesterol?
Non-HDL cholesterol is your total cholesterol minus HDL — in other words, all the cholesterol carried by particles other than HDL, including LDL. Many clinicians watch non-HDL because it captures more of the cholesterol thought to contribute to plaque than LDL alone. This tool calculates it automatically alongside the ratio so you can see both views from the same inputs.
Cholesterol ratio vs LDL/HDL and triglyceride/HDL ratios
The total/HDL ratio is one of several ways to express the balance in a lipid panel; others include the LDL/HDL ratio and the triglyceride/HDL ratio. Each highlights a slightly different relationship, and different clinics favour different ones. The ratio you calculate here is a screening summary, not a substitute for the full panel your clinician reviews.
How to calculate your cholesterol ratio
Divide your total cholesterol by your HDL cholesterol — for example, a total of 200 with an HDL of 50 gives a ratio of 4.0. This calculator does that for you and also derives non-HDL, using the values straight off your lipid panel. Make sure you enter total cholesterol and HDL in the same units shown on your report.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good cholesterol ratio?
A total-cholesterol-to-HDL ratio below about 3.5 is generally considered favourable, and many sources treat under 5 as desirable. Lower is better, but the ratio is only one input — your LDL, non-HDL, and overall risk profile matter at least as much.
Is the ratio better than LDL?
They answer different questions. LDL and non-HDL cholesterol are the usual targets for treatment decisions; the ratio is a quick summary of how your total and protective cholesterol compare. Most clinicians use LDL/non-HDL plus a formal risk estimate, with the ratio as supporting context.
Do I need to fast before a cholesterol test?
Often not. Many labs now accept non-fasting lipid panels, which give reliable total, HDL, and non-HDL values. Fasting is mainly relevant when triglycerides or a calculated LDL are the focus. Follow whatever instruction your clinician or lab gives.
My units are mmol/L — does this still work?
Yes, for the ratio: it is unit-independent as long as you enter both total and HDL in the same unit. The non-HDL readout, however, will be in whatever unit you typed in (the calculator labels it mg/dL by default).