CalculatorsHeartCholesterol ratio calculator
Cholesterol ratio calculator
Three quick reads from a lipid panel, in the units the research used, whichever units your report came in.
3.0: 1
Higher
Around 3 or more, studies in overweight adults found insulin resistance more likely. It's a pointer, not a diagnosis.
- Total cholesterol to HDL
- 4.0 : 1Under 5 is a common aim, under 3.5 better
- Non-HDL cholesterol
- 150 mg/dLUnder 130 is the common aim
See the working
TG ÷ HDL, both in mg/dL = 150 ÷ 50 = 3.00TC ÷ HDL = 200 ÷ 50 = 4.00These ratios only mean this in mg/dL. Enter mmol/L and it's converted for you first.
Why ratios at all
A ratio can say something a single number doesn't. High triglycerides with low HDL tends to travel with insulin resistance and with more small LDL particles, even when LDL itself looks fine.
None of these has an official cut-off the way LDL does. They're pointers, and most useful read next to fasting glucose, insulin and A1C.
The unit trap
A TG to HDL ratio of 3 in mg/dL is about 1.3 in mmol/L, because the two fats convert differently. Most online tools ignore this. Enter either unit here and the ratio is always worked out in mg/dL, which is what the studies used.
Questions
What's a good triglyceride to HDL ratio?
Under 2 is the end usually linked with better insulin sensitivity. Around 3 or more, one study of overweight adults found insulin resistance more likely. There's no official cut-off.
What's a good total cholesterol to HDL ratio?
Under 5 is a common aim, and under 3.5 is often called better.
Does this diagnose insulin resistance?
No. It's a pointer. Fasting insulin, glucose and A1C say more, and your doctor can read them together.
Does it hold for everyone?
It's less reliable in some groups, including people of African ancestry, whose triglycerides can be lower for the same insulin resistance.
Sources
Written by LifeFrom from the sources above, and not yet reviewed by a clinician. An estimate for your own understanding: it doesn't diagnose or treat anything, and it doesn't replace your doctor.
