Cholesterol Ratio Calculator
Total-to-HDL cholesterol ratio and non-HDL cholesterol, with target ranges
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Quick summary
Enter your total cholesterol and HDL (the 'good' cholesterol) to get your total-to-HDL ratio and non-HDL cholesterol — both heart-risk indicators. A total of 200 with HDL of 50 gives a ratio of 4.0 (good) and non-HDL of 150. For the ratio, lower is better: under 3.5 is ideal, under 5 is good, and 5+ suggests higher risk. These are general guides — your doctor interprets them with your full risk profile.
Reviewed by Simple Calculators TeamLast reviewed
For information only — not medical advice. Results are estimates from published formulas and can't account for your health history. Talk to a doctor or other qualified clinician before making health decisions.
How to use this calculator
- Enter the inputs requested by the calculator.
- Choose the units or options that match your situation and review the assumptions.
- Run or update the calculation to see the result.
- Review the result, breakdown, and formulas shown on the page.
- Check the inputs, units, dates, and limitations before saving or sharing the result.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good cholesterol ratio?
The total-to-HDL cholesterol ratio should ideally be below 3.5, with under 5 considered acceptable. A ratio of 5 or above indicates higher cardiovascular risk. Because it compares total cholesterol to protective HDL, a higher HDL improves (lowers) the ratio even if total cholesterol is unchanged.
How do I calculate my cholesterol ratio?
Divide your total cholesterol by your HDL cholesterol. For a total of 200 mg/dL and HDL of 50, the ratio is 200 ÷ 50 = 4.0. This calculator computes it and also gives your non-HDL cholesterol (total minus HDL), another useful marker.
What is non-HDL cholesterol?
Non-HDL cholesterol is your total cholesterol minus HDL — it captures all the cholesterol carried by 'bad' particles (LDL and others) that contribute to plaque. Many doctors consider it a better risk predictor than LDL alone. A general target is below 130 mg/dL, lower if you're at higher risk.
Is the ratio more useful than total cholesterol alone?
Often, yes. Total cholesterol lumps protective HDL together with harmful particles, so two people with the same total can have very different risk. The total-to-HDL ratio and non-HDL cholesterol account for HDL's protective role, giving a fuller picture — though your doctor weighs many factors together.
Key terms
- Total:HDL Ratio
- Total cholesterol divided by HDL; lower is better.
- HDL
- 'Good' cholesterol that helps remove cholesterol from arteries.
- Non-HDL Cholesterol
- Total minus HDL — all the atherogenic ('bad') cholesterol.
Methodology, sources & limitations
This page shows the formula, assumptions, and limitations used for this estimate. Rates, thresholds, and other time-sensitive inputs can change, so verify them against the relevant official source before relying on a result.
For our review approach and the primary sources we consult, see the methodology and source policy. If you spot an outdated figure or formula, please contact us with a correction.