LDL Cholesterol Calculator

Calculate LDL cholesterol using the Friedewald equation (TC – HDL – TG/5) or the more accurate Martin-Hopkins formula. Includes AHA/ACC risk classification and statin therapy targets by ASCVD risk.

mg/dL
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LDL (Friedewald)
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Non-HDL Cholesterol —
LDL Category (AHA) —
Formula Validity —
Extended More scenarios, charts & detailed breakdown ▾
mg/dL
mg/dL
mg/dL
LDL (Friedewald)
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Non-HDL —
AHA Category —
Professional Full parameters & maximum detail ▾
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mg/dL
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LDL Values

LDL Friedewald —
LDL Martin-Hopkins —
Non-HDL Cholesterol —
TC:HDL Ratio —

Risk Classification

LDL Category —
Guideline LDL Target —

Methodology

Fasting Note —
Formula Validity —

How to Use This Calculator

  1. Enter your Total Cholesterol, HDL, and Triglycerides in mg/dL from your blood test report.
  2. The calculator applies the Friedewald formula and warns if TG ≥ 400 mg/dL.
  3. Use the Martin-Hopkins tab for a more accurate estimate if your LDL is low or TG is elevated.
  4. Use the Risk Targets tab to input your ASCVD risk category and see your LDL goal and statin recommendation.

Formula

Friedewald: LDL = TC − HDL − TG/5 (valid if TG < 400 mg/dL)

Non-HDL: TC − HDL

Example

Example: TC = 200, HDL = 50, TG = 150. Friedewald LDL = 200 − 50 − 30 = 120 mg/dL (Near Optimal). Non-HDL = 150 mg/dL.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The Friedewald equation is: LDL = Total Cholesterol − HDL − (Triglycerides ÷ 5). This formula is valid only when triglycerides are below 400 mg/dL. It was published by Friedewald, Levy, and Fredrickson in 1972 and is still the most widely used LDL calculation worldwide.
  • The Martin-Hopkins formula is more accurate when LDL is very low (<70 mg/dL) or triglycerides are elevated (≥150 mg/dL). It replaces the fixed "÷ 5" divisor with an adjustable factor based on TG levels and was validated in JAMA 2013.
  • Non-HDL = Total Cholesterol − HDL. It includes LDL plus VLDL and IDL (remnant cholesterol), capturing all atherogenic lipoproteins. Non-HDL targets are 30 mg/dL higher than LDL targets per AHA/ACC 2018 guidelines.
  • Per AHA/ACC 2018 Cholesterol Guidelines: LDL ≥190 mg/dL always warrants high-intensity statin. Known ASCVD: high-intensity statin targeting LDL <70 mg/dL. 10-year ASCVD risk ≥7.5% with LDL ≥70 mg/dL: moderate-to-high intensity statin.
  • Non-fasting samples are acceptable for total cholesterol, HDL, and non-HDL. For accurate triglyceride measurement and Friedewald LDL calculation, a 9-12 hour fast is preferred. Non-fasting TG levels are typically 20-30 mg/dL higher.

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Sources & References (5) ▾
  1. AHA/ACC 2018 Guideline on the Management of Blood Cholesterol — AHA / ACC 2018
  2. ESC/EAS Guidelines for the Management of Dyslipidaemias 2019 — European Society of Cardiology 2019
  3. Friedewald WT, Levy RI, Fredrickson DS. Estimation of the concentration of LDL cholesterol. Clin Chem. 1972;18:499-502 — Clinical Chemistry 1972
  4. Martin SS et al. Comparison of a Novel Method vs the Friedewald Equation for Estimating LDL Cholesterol. JAMA. 2013 — JAMA 2013
  5. NCEP ATP III Guidelines on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults — NIH NHLBI / NCEP 2002