How to use the ldl cholesterol calculator
Estimate LDL cholesterol from total cholesterol, HDL and triglycerides using the Friedewald equation. Enter total cholesterol, hdl cholesterol, triglycerides in the fields above; the ldl cholesterol (friedewald), formula validity are computed instantly and plotted on the chart so you can see how the answer changes.
Common searches this calculator answers include “LDL calculation”, “Friedewald formula”, “bad cholesterol estimate”, “calculate ldl cholesterol”, “find ldl cholesterol”.
Formula
Variables
- tc — Total cholesterol (mg/dL)
- hdl — HDL cholesterol (mg/dL)
- tg — Triglycerides (mg/dL)
Worked example
With total cholesterol = 200 mg/dL, hdl cholesterol = 50 mg/dL, triglycerides = 150 mg/dL, the calculator gives ldl cholesterol (friedewald) ≈ 120 mg/dL; formula validity ≈ Formula valid text.
Frequently asked questions
What is the ldl cholesterol calculator used for?
Estimate LDL cholesterol from total cholesterol, HDL and triglycerides using the Friedewald equation. It helps with questions such as “LDL calculation”, “Friedewald formula”, “bad cholesterol estimate”.
What is the formula for the ldl cholesterol calculation?
LDL cholesterol (Friedewald) (mg/dL) = tc-hdl-tg / 5. Formula validity (text) = tg<400?"Formula valid":"Use direct LDL measurement". Here tc is total cholesterol (mg/dL), hdl is hdl cholesterol (mg/dL), tg is triglycerides (mg/dL).
What inputs do I need for the ldl cholesterol (friedewald) calculator?
You need total cholesterol in mg/dL, hdl cholesterol in mg/dL, triglycerides in mg/dL. Each field is pre-filled with a typical example so you can see how the result responds as you edit the numbers.
How do I use the ldl cholesterol calculator?
Type values into the input fields. Results and the chart update instantly. Use Reset to restore the example values, Copy results to paste them elsewhere, or Share to copy a link that preserves your inputs.
Is the ldl cholesterol result exact?
Calculations use standard formulas and double-precision arithmetic, then display about seven significant figures. Real-world measurements carry uncertainty, so treat results as estimates unless your inputs are exact.