HEALTH · CHOLESTEROL RATIO
Cholesterol Ratio Calculator
Calculate your Total/HDL and LDL/HDL cholesterol ratios with AHA risk-band interpretation — enter your cholesterol panel numbers to understand your cardiovascular risk profile.
These ratios are informational estimates based on AHA guidelines. Discuss your numbers with a healthcare provider.
About This Calculator
Cholesterol ratios give a more complete picture of cardiovascular risk than any single number alone. The Total/HDL ratio — endorsed by the American Heart Association (AHA) — compares the total amount of cholesterol in your blood to the "good" HDL fraction that helps remove it. A lower ratio means more of your cholesterol is the protective kind. Enter your cholesterol panel values to see where your ratios fall on the AHA risk scale.
How It Works
Enter your total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol (both required). Optionally enter your LDL cholesterol for the secondary LDL/HDL ratio. The calculator divides total by HDL (and LDL by HDL if provided) and classifies the result into four AHA risk bands: Optimal, Average, Moderate, or High. These are informational estimates — a lipid panel from a healthcare provider gives the authoritative interpretation.
The Formula
Total/HDL = Total Cholesterol ÷ HDL LDL/HDL = LDL ÷ HDL
- Total
- Total cholesterol (mg/dL)
- HDL
- High-density lipoprotein — the 'good' cholesterol (mg/dL)
- LDL
- Low-density lipoprotein — the 'bad' cholesterol (mg/dL, optional)
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a good cholesterol ratio?
- The American Heart Association considers a Total/HDL ratio below 3.5 optimal and below 5.0 acceptable. A ratio above 5.0 indicates above-average cardiovascular risk. For LDL/HDL, below 1.5 is considered optimal by most guidelines. However, ratios alone don't tell the whole story — absolute levels and other risk factors matter too.
- What is HDL cholesterol?
- HDL (high-density lipoprotein) is often called "good" cholesterol because it carries cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver, where it can be removed from the body. Higher HDL levels are generally associated with lower cardiovascular risk. Most guidelines consider an HDL above 60 mg/dL protective.
- What is LDL cholesterol?
- LDL (low-density lipoprotein) is often called "bad" cholesterol because high levels can build up in artery walls and form plaques that raise the risk of heart disease and stroke. Most guidelines recommend keeping LDL below 100 mg/dL for people at average risk, and even lower for those at higher risk.
- Is this calculator a substitute for a doctor's advice?
- No. This calculator provides informational estimates based on published AHA guidelines. Your doctor or a lipid specialist can interpret your full cholesterol panel in the context of your overall cardiovascular risk — including blood pressure, family history, smoking, and diabetes status. Always discuss your results with a healthcare provider.