Convert total cholesterol of 5.0 mmol/L
5.0 × 38.67 = 193.35
Displayed result: 193 mg/dL
Heart health calculator
Cholesterol unit converter: mmol/L and mg/dL
Convert total, LDL and HDL cholesterol or triglycerides between mmol/L and mg/dL using the correct analyte-specific conversion factor.
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Enter a laboratory result
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Cholesterol unit converter
Educational conversion only. Laboratory ranges vary, and unexpected results should be discussed with a qualified clinician.
Three simple steps
How to use this calculator
Use the wording and unit from your original laboratory report. Keep that report available when reviewing the converted value.
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1
Select the exact lipid measurement
Choose total cholesterol, LDL, HDL or triglycerides as written on the laboratory report.
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2
Select the reported unit
UK lipid reports commonly use mmol/L, while reports from the United States commonly use mg/dL.
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3
Check the analyte before copying the answer
Total, LDL and HDL share one factor. Triglycerides use a different factor and must be selected explicitly.
How it works
About this calculation
Cholesterol and triglycerides require different conversion factors because they have different molecular masses. Select the analyte shown on your laboratory report before converting the value.
Worked answers
Conversion examples and common values
These examples show the arithmetic and the rounding used by the calculator. They are not reference ranges or personal targets.
Convert LDL cholesterol of 130 mg/dL
130 ÷ 38.67 = 3.36
Displayed result: 3.36 mmol/LConvert triglycerides of 1.7 mmol/L
1.7 × 88.57 = 150.57
Displayed result: 151 mg/dL| Analyte | mmol/L | mg/dL |
|---|---|---|
| Total, LDL or HDL cholesterol | 3.0 | 116 |
| Total, LDL or HDL cholesterol | 4.0 | 155 |
| Total, LDL or HDL cholesterol | 5.0 | 193 |
| Total, LDL or HDL cholesterol | 6.0 | 232 |
| Triglycerides | 1.0 | 89 |
| Triglycerides | 1.7 | 151 |
| Triglycerides | 2.0 | 177 |
Why triglycerides use a different conversion factor
A unit conversion relates molecular amount to mass. Total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol are reported using the cholesterol conversion factor of 38.67. Triglycerides have a different molecular mass and use 88.57.
The converter changes only the unit. It does not recalculate LDL, adjust for fasting status or determine whether a lipid value meets an individual treatment target.
Important context
Limitations
This calculator converts units only and does not classify cardiovascular risk. Cholesterol targets depend on overall cardiovascular risk, medical history and treatment. Always use the analyte name and unit printed by the reporting laboratory.
Questions about this tool
Frequently asked questions
These answers explain the calculation and its limitations. They do not interpret an individual laboratory result.
What is total cholesterol of 5 mmol/L in mg/dL?
Using the cholesterol factor, 5.0 mmol/L converts to approximately 193 mg/dL. This converts the unit only and does not assign an individual risk category.
Do total, LDL and HDL cholesterol use the same conversion factor?
Yes. Total, LDL and HDL cholesterol use 38.67 when converting mmol/L to mg/dL. Divide by 38.67 for the reverse conversion.
Why do triglycerides use 88.57 instead of 38.67?
The relationship between mmol/L and mg/dL depends on molecular mass. Triglycerides and cholesterol therefore require different factors.
Can I compare UK and US cholesterol reports after conversion?
Conversion places the values on the same unit scale. You should still check the collection conditions, laboratory method, date and reference information before making comparisons.
Does this calculator tell me whether my cholesterol is high?
No. It converts units only. Individual cholesterol targets depend on broader cardiovascular risk, health history and any treatment plan.
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