LDL Cholesterol (Friedewald)
Many labs derive LDL with this formula rather than measuring it. Triglycerides divided by 5 stands in for VLDL cholesterol.
Your numbers
LDL
126mg/dL
Non-HDL
150mg/dL
Formula
LDL = Total cholesterol − HDL − Triglycerides ÷ 5
Above 400 mg/dL of triglycerides the estimate breaks down and LDL must be measured directly.
What to enter
| Input | Default | Accepted range |
|---|---|---|
| Total cholesterol (mg/dL)All the cholesterol in the blood, added up. | 200 | 50 ~ 500 |
| HDL (mg/dL)The kind that carries cholesterol back to the liver — higher is better. | 50 | 10 ~ 150 |
| Triglycerides (mg/dL)Blood triglycerides — measure after fasting or the number lies. | 120 | 20 ~ 800 |
Step by step
Quick reference table
Results when only Total cholesterol (mg/dL) changes and everything else stays put.
| Total cholesterol (mg/dL) | LDL (mg/dL) | Non-HDL (mg/dL) |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 26 | 50 |
| 150 | 76 | 100 |
| 200 | 126 | 150 |
| 300 | 226 | 250 |
| 400 | 326 | 350 |
What each result means
| Result | At default values |
|---|---|
| LDL (mg/dL)The kind that builds up in artery walls — lower is better. | 126 |
| Non-HDL (mg/dL)Everything except HDL. | 150 |
Common mistakes
Above 400 mg/dL of triglycerides the estimate breaks down and LDL must be measured directly.
Glossary
- Total cholesterol
- All the cholesterol in the blood, added up.
- HDL
- The kind that carries cholesterol back to the liver — higher is better.
- Triglycerides
- Blood triglycerides — measure after fasting or the number lies.
- LDL
- The kind that builds up in artery walls — lower is better.
- Non-HDL
- Everything except HDL.
Frequently asked questions
Q. How is LDL Cholesterol (Friedewald) calculated?
LDL = Total cholesterol − HDL − Triglycerides ÷ 5 — Many labs derive LDL with this formula rather than measuring it. Triglycerides divided by 5 stands in for VLDL cholesterol.
Q. Can you walk through an example?
With Total cholesterol 200mg/dL, HDL 50mg/dL, Triglycerides 120mg/dL, the answer is LDL 126mg/dL.
Q. What do I need to enter?
Enter Total cholesterol, HDL, Triglycerides. The result recalculates as you type, and an empty box counts as zero.
Q. How much does the answer move if I change a number?
Changing only Total cholesterol (mg/dL) moves the answer to Total cholesterol (mg/dL) 100 → LDL (mg/dL) 26 and Total cholesterol (mg/dL) 400 → LDL (mg/dL) 326. The table below lays out five steps.
Q. How are the numbers rounded?
Money is shown to the nearest whole unit, percentages to one decimal place and everything else to two. What you see is rounded; the calculation itself carries the unrounded value forward.
Q. Anything to watch out for?
Above 400 mg/dL of triglycerides the estimate breaks down and LDL must be measured directly.
Related calculators
These calculators help you understand health figures; they do not replace diagnosis or prescription. See a clinician if you have symptoms.