LDL Calculator - Calculate LDL Cholesterol Levels
Calculate your LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) cholesterol using the Friedewald equation to assess cardiovascular health risk and get personalized recommendations
LDL Calculator
Your Results
Your LDL is in the borderline high range. Consider lifestyle changes and consult your doctor.
What is an LDL Calculator?
An LDL Calculator is a free health tool that calculates your Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol level - often called "bad cholesterol." It uses the Friedewald equation to determine LDL based on your total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels from blood tests.
This calculator helps you:
- Assess cardiovascular risk - Understand your heart disease risk
- Track cholesterol levels - Monitor changes over time
- Set health goals - Know your target LDL range
- Make informed decisions - Discuss results with your doctor
To calculate your overall body health status, check out our BMI Calculator to determine if your weight is in a healthy range for your height.
For understanding your total daily calorie needs including activity, explore our TDEE Calculator to plan nutrition that supports heart health.
To calculate your resting metabolic rate, use our BEE Calculator to understand your baseline calorie burn for weight management.
For measuring body composition beyond weight, try our Body Fat Percentage Calculator to assess overall health markers.
To determine your ideal weight for optimal health, check our Ideal Body Weight Calculator to set realistic health goals.
How the LDL Calculator Works
The calculator uses the Friedewald equation (1972):
Where:
- Total Cholesterol: Sum of all cholesterol types in blood
- HDL: "Good" cholesterol that removes LDL from arteries
- Triglycerides: Fat in blood; divided by 5 to estimate VLDL
LDL Risk Categories (ATP III Guidelines):
- Optimal: < 100 mg/dL
- Near Optimal: 100-129 mg/dL
- Borderline High: 130-159 mg/dL
- High: 160-189 mg/dL
- Very High: ≥ 190 mg/dL
Note: Friedewald equation is accurate when triglycerides are below 400 mg/dL.
Understanding Cholesterol Types
LDL (Bad Cholesterol)
Carries cholesterol to arteries where it can form plaque, increasing heart disease risk.
HDL (Good Cholesterol)
Removes excess cholesterol from arteries and transports it to liver for disposal.
Total Cholesterol
Sum of LDL, HDL, and VLDL. Target is below 200 mg/dL for optimal health.
Non-HDL Cholesterol
Total minus HDL. Secondary risk marker; target is < 130 mg/dL.
How to Use This Calculator
Choose Method
Select Friedewald equation or direct measurement
Enter Lab Values
Input total cholesterol, HDL, and triglycerides
View LDL Result
See calculated LDL and risk category
Get Recommendations
Review health advice based on your LDL level
Benefits of Monitoring LDL
- • Prevent Heart Disease: High LDL is a major risk factor for coronary artery disease and heart attacks.
- • Reduce Stroke Risk: Lowering LDL decreases risk of ischemic stroke caused by arterial blockages.
- • Track Treatment Progress: Monitor effectiveness of diet, exercise, or medication in lowering LDL.
- • Early Intervention: Identify high LDL early to prevent plaque buildup and arterial damage.
- • Informed Health Decisions: Understand your cardiovascular risk and make lifestyle changes accordingly.
Factors That Affect LDL Levels
1. Diet
Saturated fats, trans fats, and dietary cholesterol raise LDL. Fiber and plant sterols lower it.
2. Physical Activity
Regular exercise lowers LDL and raises HDL. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly.
3. Weight
Excess weight increases LDL. Losing 5-10% of body weight can significantly improve cholesterol.
4. Genetics
Familial hypercholesterolemia causes very high LDL regardless of lifestyle. Requires medical treatment.
5. Age and Gender
LDL increases with age. Women's LDL rises after menopause due to hormonal changes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is LDL cholesterol?
A: LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) is often called "bad cholesterol" because high levels can lead to plaque buildup in arteries, increasing heart disease and stroke risk. Optimal LDL is below 100 mg/dL.
Q: How is LDL calculated?
A: LDL is calculated using the Friedewald equation: LDL = Total Cholesterol - HDL - (Triglycerides / 5). This formula is accurate when triglycerides are below 400 mg/dL.
Q: What is a healthy LDL level?
A: Optimal LDL is below 100 mg/dL. Near optimal is 100-129 mg/dL. Borderline high is 130-159 mg/dL. High is 160-189 mg/dL. Very high is 190 mg/dL or above.
Q: How can I lower my LDL?
A: Lower LDL through diet (reduce saturated fats, increase fiber), regular exercise, weight loss, and if needed, statin medications prescribed by your doctor.
Q: When is the Friedewald equation inaccurate?
A: The Friedewald equation becomes inaccurate when triglycerides are 400 mg/dL or higher. In these cases, direct LDL measurement from a lab test is recommended for accuracy.
Q: What is non-HDL cholesterol?
A: Non-HDL cholesterol is total cholesterol minus HDL. It includes all "bad" cholesterol types (LDL and VLDL). Target is below 130 mg/dL, 30 mg/dL higher than your LDL target.
Q: How often should I check my LDL?
A: Adults should check cholesterol every 4-6 years. If you have high LDL or heart disease risk factors, check more frequently as recommended by your doctor.
Q: Can LDL be too low?
A: Very low LDL (below 40 mg/dL) is rare but can occur with certain medications or conditions. Most people benefit from lower LDL, but discuss extremely low levels with your doctor.