Typical reference ranges
| Test | Desirable | Borderline | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total cholesterol | Below 200 mg/dL (5.2 mmol/L) | 200–239 (5.2–6.2) | 240+ (6.2+) |
| LDL cholesterol | Below 100 mg/dL (2.6) | 130–159 (3.4–4.1) | 160+ (4.1+); 190+ very high |
| HDL cholesterol | 60+ mg/dL is protective | — | Low: below 40 (men), below 50 (women) |
| Triglycerides | Below 150 mg/dL (1.7) | 150–199 (1.7–2.2) | 200–499 (2.3–5.6); 500+ very high |
Ranges based on: MedlinePlus; NHLBI; NICE NG238. Full references are listed at the end of this page.
Use your own lab's range. Reference ranges differ between labs, analysers and methods, and with age, sex and pregnancy. The range printed on your report takes priority over the figures here.
Check your value
Type the LDL cholesterol result from your report to see where it sits against the typical ranges on this page. Nothing is sent or saved.
General information only, not a diagnosis. Your lab's printed range takes priority.
What each number means
- LDL ("bad") cholesterol builds up in artery walls. It is the main treatment target.
- HDL ("good") cholesterol carries cholesterol away from arteries. Low HDL is common in South Asians.
- Triglycerides rise with sugar, refined carbohydrates, alcohol, obesity and poorly controlled diabetes.
- Non-HDL cholesterol (total minus HDL) captures all the harmful particles and is used in UK risk assessment.
Your target depends on your risk
There is no single "normal" LDL for everyone. Someone with no risk factors may be fine at 120 mg/dL, while a person with diabetes or a previous heart attack is usually advised to go much lower, often below 70 or even 55 mg/dL. Doctors combine your lipid results with age, blood pressure, smoking, diabetes and family history to estimate 10-year risk.
Fasting or not?
Most guidelines now accept a non-fasting sample for routine checks. Fasting for 9–12 hours is still advised if triglycerides were high before or are being followed closely, since a meal raises them.
Units
To convert cholesterol from mg/dL to mmol/L divide by 38.67; for triglycerides divide by 88.57. The lab unit converter on this site handles both.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fast for a cholesterol test?
Usually not. Fast for 9–12 hours if your doctor asks or your triglycerides were high before.
What is a good LDL level?
Below 100 mg/dL (2.6 mmol/L) for most adults; lower if you have diabetes or heart disease.
Why is my HDL low?
Inactivity, excess weight, smoking, high sugar intake and genetics. Low HDL is common in South Asian populations.
How often should I check cholesterol?
Every 4–6 years for healthy adults, more often if it is high or you are on treatment.
Sources and references
- MedlinePlus: Cholesterol Levels
- NHLBI: Blood Cholesterol
- NICE NG238: Cardiovascular disease, risk assessment and reduction