Cholesterol ratio chart: total/HDL, LDL/HDL, and TG/HDL
Sheenam Midha · Health writer
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A cholesterol ratio chart can organize total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides into quick comparisons. The formulas are easy; the interpretation is harder because a favorable ratio can still hide an important absolute result.
Calculate all three with our cholesterol ratio calculator.
Why there is more than one cholesterol ratio
Each ratio asks a different question. Total-to-HDL compares all measured cholesterol with HDL. LDL-to-HDL narrows the comparison to two familiar fractions. TG-to-HDL combines a circulating fat with HDL and is often discussed in metabolic-health research.
None counts atherogenic particles directly, and none includes blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, kidney disease, age, or family history.
How the three cholesterol ratios are calculated
| Ratio | Formula | Main use |
|---|---|---|
| Total/HDL | Total cholesterol ÷ HDL | Broad balance between total cholesterol and HDL |
| LDL/HDL | LDL cholesterol ÷ HDL | Compares two cholesterol fractions |
| TG/HDL | Triglycerides ÷ HDL | Highlights a triglyceride-low-HDL metabolic pattern |
Use values from the same test and the same unit. Total/HDL and LDL/HDL are unitless. Read our TG/HDL guide before applying an mg/dL cutoff to an mmol/L ratio.
Cholesterol ratio chart
Many resources describe total/HDL around 3 to 4 as more favorable and values above 5 as less favorable. LDL/HDL is often described with lower values as preferable. TG/HDL research commonly tests thresholds near 2 to 4 in mg/dL units.
Those are educational guideposts, not universal treatment targets. Population, laboratory conditions, sex, ethnicity, diabetes status, and the outcome studied change the useful threshold. Current guidelines focus treatment on LDL, non-HDL, and overall cardiovascular risk rather than one ratio color.
Worked example
Suppose a panel shows:
- Total cholesterol: 220 mg/dL
- LDL: 140 mg/dL
- HDL: 60 mg/dL
- Triglycerides: 100 mg/dL
The ratios are 3.7 total/HDL, 2.3 LDL/HDL, and 1.7 TG/HDL. Those ratios look relatively favorable, but LDL of 140 mg/dL still deserves interpretation based on the person’s risk. A strong HDL value does not erase LDL exposure.
What to review alongside the ratios
Calculate non-HDL cholesterol by subtracting HDL from total cholesterol. Ask whether apoB or lipoprotein(a) testing would add value based on your history. If LDL was calculated, review the Friedewald formula and its limitations.
The bottom line
Ratios are summaries, not verdicts. Keep the original laboratory values visible and let the full cardiovascular-risk picture determine what happens next.
Evidence and review
How this article was checked
Formulas and treatment context checked against NHLBI and AHA resources. Ratio cutoffs are presented cautiously because current guidelines prioritize absolute lipid values and overall risk. Evidence last reviewed Aug 3, 2026.
- American Heart Association - Cholesterol Levels - Current explanation of LDL, HDL, triglycerides, and risk context.
- NHLBI - Blood Cholesterol Diagnosis - Lipid-panel components and non-HDL calculation.
- AHA - 2026 Dyslipidemia Guideline Summary - Current emphasis on LDL, non-HDL, apoB, and risk-based goals.
FAQ
Frequently asked
Answers
Frequently asked questions
Which cholesterol ratio is most important?
No ratio replaces the full lipid panel or overall cardiovascular-risk assessment. Total/HDL is common, TG/HDL can reflect a metabolic pattern, and non-HDL is often more actionable than either ratio.
Can a good ratio hide high LDL?
Yes. High HDL can make a ratio look favorable while LDL remains high enough to matter. Review each absolute value.
Should ratios use mg/dL or mmol/L?
Total/HDL and LDL/HDL are unitless when both cholesterol values use the same unit. TG/HDL differs numerically between mg/dL and mmol/L because the conversion factors differ.
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