Cholesterol Ratio Calculator

Calculate your total cholesterol to HDL ratio and assess your heart disease risk. Free, private, and instant.

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mg/dL
mg/dL

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Understanding Cholesterol Ratios

The total cholesterol to HDL ratio is a key indicator of cardiovascular health. It compares your total cholesterol — which includes LDL (bad) cholesterol, HDL (good) cholesterol, and other lipid components — against your HDL level. Because HDL helps remove excess cholesterol from your bloodstream, a higher HDL generally leads to a better ratio and lower heart disease risk.

Ratio RangeRisk Level
< 3.5Optimal
3.5 — 5.0Borderline
> 5.0High Risk

Good vs Bad Cholesterol

HDL — Good Cholesterol

High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) acts like a scavenger, picking up excess cholesterol from your bloodstream and carrying it back to your liver for disposal. Higher HDL levels are associated with a lower risk of heart disease and stroke.

LDL — Bad Cholesterol

Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) transports cholesterol particles throughout your body, where they can build up in artery walls and form plaques. High LDL levels increase the risk of atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes.

Frequently Asked Questions

A good total cholesterol to HDL ratio is below 3.5, which indicates optimal heart health. A ratio between 3.5 and 5.0 is considered borderline, while a ratio above 5.0 suggests a higher risk of heart disease. The lower your ratio, the better your cholesterol profile.

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