LDL (Friedewald) Calculator
Estimate LDL cholesterol from Total Cholesterol, HDL, and Triglycerides.
What Is LDL Cholesterol?
LDL stands for Low-Density Lipoprotein, often called "bad" cholesterol. It carries cholesterol to your arteries, where high levels can lead to plaque buildup (atherosclerosis), increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
What Is the Friedewald Formula?
The Friedewald equation estimates LDL when a direct measurement isn't available: LDL = Total Cholesterol − HDL − (Triglycerides ÷ 5). It's widely used in routine lipid panels but becomes inaccurate when triglycerides exceed 400 mg/dL.
LDL Target Ranges
According to the National Institutes of Health: below 100 mg/dL is optimal, 100–129 is near optimal, 130–159 is borderline high, 160–189 is high, and 190+ is very high. Your target may be lower if you have heart disease risk factors.
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Disclaimer: This tool is for educational purposes only. Consult a healthcare professional for medical advice.