Cholesterol Units Converter
Convert cholesterol values between mg/dL and mmol/L units
Convert Cholesterol Units
Important Medical Disclaimer
This converter is for educational purposes only. Always consult your healthcare provider for proper interpretation of cholesterol levels and medical decision-making.
Example Conversions
Total Cholesterol
200 mg/dL = 5.17 mmol/L (Desirable)
240 mg/dL = 6.21 mmol/L (High)
5.0 mmol/L = 193.4 mg/dL (Desirable)
HDL Cholesterol
60 mg/dL = 1.55 mmol/L (Good)
40 mg/dL = 1.03 mmol/L (Low)
1.6 mmol/L = 61.9 mg/dL (Good)
LDL Cholesterol
100 mg/dL = 2.59 mmol/L (Optimal)
160 mg/dL = 4.14 mmol/L (High)
2.8 mmol/L = 108.3 mg/dL (Near Optimal)
Triglycerides
150 mg/dL = 1.69 mmol/L (Normal)
200 mg/dL = 2.26 mmol/L (High)
2.0 mmol/L = 177.1 mg/dL (Borderline)
Conversion Formulas
Cholesterol (TC, HDL, LDL)
mg/dL → mmol/L: × 0.02586
mmol/L → mg/dL: × 38.67
Triglycerides
mg/dL → mmol/L: × 0.01129
mmol/L → mg/dL: × 88.57
Reference Ranges
Total Cholesterol
HDL (Good)
LDL (Bad)
About Units
mg/dL
Milligrams per deciliter - Used in US
mmol/L
Millimoles per liter - International standard
Different Factors
Triglycerides use different conversion factors than cholesterol
Understanding Cholesterol Units and Conversion
Why Different Units?
Different countries use different measurement systems for cholesterol. The United States primarily uses mg/dL, while most other countries use the international standard mmol/L.
When to Convert
- •Moving between countries with different lab standards
- •Reading medical literature from different regions
- •Comparing results with international guidelines
- •Consulting with healthcare providers abroad
Conversion Accuracy
Our converter uses the standard conversion factors recommended by medical organizations:
Cholesterol Types
Total cholesterol, HDL, and LDL all use the same conversion factor because they represent the same molecular weight.
Triglycerides
Triglycerides have a different molecular weight, requiring a different conversion factor for accurate unit conversion.
Clinical Significance
HDL Cholesterol
"Good" cholesterol that helps remove other cholesterol from arteries. Higher levels are better.
LDL Cholesterol
"Bad" cholesterol that can build up in arteries. Lower levels are better for heart health.
Triglycerides
Blood fats that increase heart disease risk when elevated. Often linked to diet and lifestyle.
Important Notes
Always use the correct conversion
Choose the right type (cholesterol vs triglycerides) for accurate results
Consult healthcare providers
Always discuss results with medical professionals for proper interpretation
Consider total lipid profile
Individual values should be interpreted as part of complete cholesterol panel