Cholesterol Unit Converter
Use this calculator to convert blood lipid values between mg/dL and mmol/L.
Why a cholesterol converter calculator is useful
Cholesterol and triglyceride test results are reported in two common unit systems: mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter) and mmol/L (millimoles per liter). If your doctor, article, or guideline uses a different unit than your lab report, it can feel confusing. A converter helps you compare values quickly and confidently.
This is especially helpful when tracking progress over time, reading international health resources, or discussing results with specialists trained in different regions.
How cholesterol conversion works
The conversion depends on the specific lipid marker:
- Total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and non-HDL: use factor 38.67
- Triglycerides: use factor 88.57
Formulas
- Cholesterol markers:
mmol/L = mg/dL ÷ 38.67 | mg/dL = mmol/L × 38.67 - Triglycerides:
mmol/L = mg/dL ÷ 88.57 | mg/dL = mmol/L × 88.57
| Marker | mg/dL to mmol/L | mmol/L to mg/dL |
|---|---|---|
| Total / LDL / HDL / Non-HDL | Divide by 38.67 | Multiply by 38.67 |
| Triglycerides | Divide by 88.57 | Multiply by 88.57 |
General interpretation ranges (mg/dL)
Use these broad reference points to make sense of converted values:
Total Cholesterol
- Desirable: less than 200
- Borderline high: 200–239
- High: 240 or higher
LDL Cholesterol
- Optimal: less than 100
- Near optimal: 100–129
- Borderline high: 130–159
- High: 160–189
- Very high: 190 or higher
HDL Cholesterol
- Low (higher risk): less than 40
- Acceptable: 40–59
- Protective: 60 or higher
Triglycerides
- Normal: less than 150
- Borderline high: 150–199
- High: 200–499
- Very high: 500 or higher
Practical tips when using a converter
- Always confirm which marker you are converting before doing math.
- Use fasting vs. non-fasting results consistently when comparing trends.
- Compare numbers with your own past results, not just one isolated test.
- Discuss targets with your clinician, especially if you have diabetes, heart disease, or family risk.
Frequently asked questions
Is mg/dL better than mmol/L?
No. They are just different units measuring the same thing.
Why are triglycerides converted with a different number?
Triglycerides have a different molecular weight and chemistry than cholesterol, so they require a different conversion factor.
Can I use this for lipid panel tracking?
Yes. It’s useful for converting older reports or international values into one consistent format for trend tracking.