Convert between mg/dL and mmol/L for Total Cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and Triglycerides.
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Cholesterol and triglyceride measurements are reported in different units depending on where you live. In the United States, values are typically reported in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), while many other countries use millimoles per liter (mmol/L). This difference can create confusion when reviewing lab results, comparing data from international sources, or communicating with healthcare providers who practice in different regions.
The Cholesterol Units Converter eliminates this confusion by providing instant, accurate bidirectional conversions for all four standard lipid panel components: Total Cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and Triglycerides. Simply enter any value in either mg/dL or mmol/L, and the corresponding conversion appears immediately. The tool uses the standard conversion factors established by clinical guidelines, 38.67 for cholesterol (TC, HDL, LDL) and 88.57 for triglycerides.
Enter your Total Cholesterol value in either the mg/dL or mmol/L field.
Enter your HDL Cholesterol value in either unit field.
Enter your LDL Cholesterol value in either unit field.
Enter your Triglycerides value in either unit field.
The corresponding value in the other unit updates automatically.
Use the quick example buttons to test typical US or European values.
View the Conversion Summary showing all values in both units.
Review the ADA Reference Ranges displayed below the summary.
Copy, share, or embed your results using the buttons below.
The converter uses standard conversion factors to translate between mg/dL and mmol/L:
For Cholesterol (Total, HDL, LDL):1 mmol/L = 38.67 mg/dLmg/dL = mmol/L × 38.67mmol/L = mg/dL ÷ 38.67
For Triglycerides:1 mmol/L = 88.57 mg/dLmg/dL = mmol/L × 88.57mmol/L = mg/dL ÷ 88.57
The converter works bidirectionally, entering a value in either field automatically calculates the corresponding value in the other unit. This provides instant feedback regardless of which unit you start with, making it ideal for international users and healthcare professionals working with diverse patient populations.
Dr. Yamamoto in Japan receives a lipid panel from a US colleague with the following values:
Total Cholesterol: 220 mg/dL
HDL: 45 mg/dL
LDL: 140 mg/dL
Triglycerides: 180 mg/dL
She enters these values into the mg/dL fields:
Step 1 — Convert Total Cholesterol:
220 ÷ 38.67 = 5.69 mmol/L
Step 2 — Convert HDL:
45 ÷ 38.67 = 1.16 mmol/L
Step 3 — Convert LDL:
140 ÷ 38.67 = 3.62 mmol/L
Step 4 — Convert Triglycerides:
180 ÷ 88.57 = 2.03 mmol/L
Summary:
Total: 220 mg/dL = 5.69 mmol/L
HDL: 45 mg/dL = 1.16 mmol/L
LDL: 140 mg/dL = 3.62 mmol/L
Triglycerides: 180 mg/dL = 2.03 mmol/L
Dr. Yamamoto can now compare these values against European reference ranges and discuss the results with her colleagues.
The Cholesterol Units Converter is a tool that translates cholesterol and triglyceride values between mg/dL (US standard) and mmol/L (international standard). It works using standard conversion factors: 38.67 for cholesterol (TC, HDL, LDL) and 88.57 for triglycerides. Enter values in either unit and the corresponding value appears automatically.
Divide the mg/dL value by 38.67. For example, 200 mg/dL ÷ 38.67 = 5.17 mmol/L. Our converter does this automatically for all four lipid panel components.
Multiply the mmol/L value by 38.67. For example, 5.17 mmol/L × 38.67 = 200 mg/dL.
The conversion factor for triglycerides is 88.57 (1 mmol/L = 88.57 mg/dL). This differs from cholesterol because triglycerides have a different molecular weight.
Yes, Total Cholesterol, HDL, and LDL all use the same conversion factor (38.67). Only triglycerides use the different factor (88.57).
The conversion factor between mg/dL and mmol/L depends on the molecular weight of the substance. Cholesterol and triglycerides have different molecular weights, so they require different conversion factors to translate between mass (mg/dL) and molecular concentration (mmol/L).
Normal total cholesterol is below 5.17 mmol/L (200 mg/dL). Borderline is 5.17–6.18 mmol/L (200–239 mg/dL), and high is 6.21 mmol/L (240 mg/dL) or above.
Yes, the converter works for any cholesterol or triglyceride value regardless of age. However, reference ranges for children differ from adults and should be consulted separately.
The converter itself is unit-independent, but accurate interpretation requires knowing whether the sample was fasting. Triglycerides are particularly affected by food intake, fasting samples (8-12 hours) are preferred for accurate assessment.
Yes, the converter uses the standard conversion factors established by clinical guidelines. It is suitable for clinical use, but always confirm unit conversions with your healthcare provider for critical decisions.
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