Cholesterol Level Converter
Convert total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides between mg/dL and mmol/L.
With reference ranges for desirable, borderline, and high levels.
Type in either field — the other updates instantly.
Your data stays in your browser. We do not store, collect, or transmit any information you enter.
Cholesterol levels are reported in two different units depending on your country.
mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter) is used in the United States, Canada, and parts of Latin America. mmol/L (millimoles per liter) is used in the UK, Australia, Europe, and most of the rest of the world.
Conversion formula:
- Cholesterol (total, LDL, HDL): mg/dL = mmol/L × 38.67, and mmol/L = mg/dL ÷ 38.67
- Triglycerides: mg/dL = mmol/L × 88.57, and mmol/L = mg/dL ÷ 88.57
The factor 38.67 comes from the molecular weight of cholesterol (386.7 g/mol) divided by 10. Triglycerides use a different factor because their average molecular weight is much larger (about 885.7 g/mol), so pick the right measurement type in the converter below.
Total Cholesterol reference ranges:
| Category | mg/dL | mmol/L |
|---|---|---|
| Desirable | < 200 | < 5.18 |
| Borderline high | 200–239 | 5.18–6.18 |
| High | ≥ 240 | ≥ 6.22 |
LDL Cholesterol (“bad” cholesterol) reference ranges:
| Category | mg/dL | mmol/L |
|---|---|---|
| Optimal | < 100 | < 2.59 |
| Near optimal | 100–129 | 2.59–3.34 |
| Borderline high | 130–159 | 3.37–4.12 |
| High | 160–189 | 4.14–4.90 |
| Very high | ≥ 190 | ≥ 4.92 |
HDL Cholesterol (“good” cholesterol) reference ranges:
| Category | mg/dL | mmol/L |
|---|---|---|
| Low (risk factor) | < 40 (men) / < 50 (women) | < 1.04 / < 1.30 |
| Acceptable | 40–59 | 1.04–1.53 |
| Protective (high) | ≥ 60 | ≥ 1.55 |
Triglycerides reference ranges:
| Category | mg/dL | mmol/L |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | < 150 | < 1.7 |
| Borderline high | 150–199 | 1.7–2.2 |
| High | 200–499 | 2.3–5.6 |
| Very high | ≥ 500 | ≥ 5.6 |
Higher HDL is generally better for heart health. Lower LDL reduces risk of cardiovascular disease. Always discuss your specific results with your doctor — these ranges are general guidelines only.
How we build and check this converter
This converter runs entirely in your browser, so the numbers you enter stay on your device. The math behind it is written by hand and tested against worked examples and standard references before the page goes live.
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