LDL Cholesterol Calculator (Friedewald Equation)
Estimate LDL from total, HDL and triglycerides.
Enter your values
Enter the total cholesterol in mg/dL.
Enter the hdl cholesterol in mg/dL.
Enter the triglycerides in mg/dL.
Results update instantly as you type — no submit needed. Your values are remembered on this device, and the shareable link reopens the calculator with exactly these numbers.
- Estimated LDL
- 126 mg/dL
- Non-HDL cholesterol
- 150 mg/dL
Quick answer
The Friedewald equation estimates LDL cholesterol when a direct LDL measurement is not available.
LDL = Total cholesterol - HDL - (Triglycerides / 5)
At a glance
| What it does | Estimate LDL from total, HDL and triglycerides. |
|---|---|
| Category | Health |
| Inputs needed | Total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, Triglycerides |
| Main output | Estimated LDL |
| Formula | LDL = Total cholesterol - HDL - (Triglycerides / 5) |
| Cost | Free — no sign-up, no download |
How to use the LDL Cholesterol Calculator (Friedewald Equation)
- 1Enter total cholesterol, HDL and triglycerides from the same fasting lipid panel.
- 2The Friedewald formula is inaccurate above 400 mg/dL triglycerides, where a direct LDL test should be used instead.
- 3This is an estimate for educational use — discuss actual lipid results and cardiovascular risk with your doctor.
Inputs explained
- Total cholesterol(mg/dL)
- Enter the total cholesterol in mg/dL.
- HDL cholesterol(mg/dL)
- Enter the hdl cholesterol in mg/dL.
- Triglycerides(mg/dL)
- Enter the triglycerides in mg/dL.
Worked example
Using the values the calculator loads with:
Inputs
- Total cholesterol200 mg/dL
- HDL cholesterol50 mg/dL
- Triglycerides120 mg/dL
Results
- Estimated LDL126 mg/dL
- Non-HDL cholesterol150 mg/dL
Frequently asked questions
Why divide triglycerides by 5?
It approximates VLDL cholesterol content, which is roughly one-fifth of triglyceride level in mg/dL.
Is LDL the only number that matters?
No — total risk considers LDL, HDL, triglycerides, non-HDL and other cardiovascular risk factors together.
What do I need to enter into the LDL Cholesterol Calculator (Friedewald Equation)?
Just 3 values: total cholesterol, hdl cholesterol, triglycerides. Every field starts with a realistic example, so you can change one number at a time and watch the result update instantly.
How does the LDL Cholesterol Calculator (Friedewald Equation) work out the answer?
The Friedewald equation estimates LDL cholesterol when a direct LDL measurement is not available. It applies the formula LDL = Total cholesterol - HDL - (Triglycerides / 5) and shows the working so you can check each step by hand.
Is the LDL Cholesterol Calculator (Friedewald Equation) free, and do I need an account?
It is completely free with no sign-up, no download and no usage limit. Everything is calculated in your browser, so the numbers you type never leave your device.
Results are estimates for general information. For medical, legal, structural or financial decisions, confirm with a qualified professional.