Non-HDL Cholesterol CalculatorFree online fitness & health calculator — instant results, no sign-up
Calculate non-HDL cholesterol by subtracting HDL from total cholesterol.
For general information only. This is not medical advice, diagnosis, dosing guidance or a treatment recommendation. Talk to a doctor or other qualified health professional about your health, pregnancy, or diet.
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About the Non-HDL Cholesterol Calculator
The Non-HDL Cholesterol Calculator subtracts HDL cholesterol from total cholesterol to estimate the cholesterol carried by particles other than HDL. Enter both measurements in mg/dL from the same lipid panel. With the default total cholesterol of 190 mg/dL and HDL cholesterol of 55 mg/dL, this tool calculates non-HDL cholesterol of 135 mg/dL.
- Total cholesterol (mg/dL)
- The total cholesterol concentration in your blood, including HDL and non-HDL cholesterol, measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL); the default is 190.
- HDL cholesterol (mg/dL)
- The cholesterol carried by high-density lipoproteins in your blood, measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL); the default is 55.
Formula and method
Non-HDL-C = TC − HDL-C; with the default inputs: 190 mg/dL − 55 mg/dL = 135 mg/dL.
- Non-HDL-CNon-HDL cholesterol concentration, in mg/dL.
- TCTotal cholesterol concentration, in mg/dL.
- HDL-CHDL cholesterol concentration, in mg/dL.
The calculator subtracts the entered HDL cholesterol value from the entered total cholesterol value. Both inputs must use mg/dL, so the difference is also expressed in mg/dL. No triglyceride value or additional risk adjustment is used.
Worked example
These are the calculator's starting values and the results it actually produces for them.
Inputs
- Total cholesterol190 mg/dL
- HDL cholesterol55 mg/dL
Results
- Non-HDL cholesterol135 mg/dL
- NoteEducational estimate for adults; not a diagnosis or treatment recommendation.
How to use the Non-HDL Cholesterol Calculator
- 1Find total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol on the same lipid panel report.
- 2Confirm that both results are in mg/dL; do not enter mmol/L values directly.
- 3Enter total cholesterol in the Total cholesterol (mg/dL) field, which defaults to 190.
- 4Enter HDL cholesterol in the HDL cholesterol (mg/dL) field, which defaults to 55, and calculate the result.
- 5Read the non-HDL cholesterol result and accompanying note; the default inputs produce 135 mg/dL.
Reading your result
The “Non-HDL cholesterol” output row shows total cholesterol minus HDL cholesterol: 135 mg/dL with the default inputs. It represents cholesterol carried by non-HDL particles, including LDL and triglyceride-rich lipoproteins and their remnants; it is not the same as LDL cholesterol alone. The “Note” output row states: “Educational estimate for adults; not a diagnosis or treatment recommendation.” Whether the result meets an appropriate goal depends on your cardiovascular risk, medical history, and clinician's assessment.
Limitations
This calculation assumes accurate laboratory results from the same lipid panel and matching mg/dL units. Negative values, or HDL cholesterol greater than total cholesterol, should prompt a check of the entries and laboratory report rather than clinical interpretation. Non-HDL cholesterol does not measure particle number, identify individual lipoprotein concentrations, or provide a complete cardiovascular risk assessment. The tool does not account for age, blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, existing cardiovascular disease, or medications, and it does not set a personal treatment target. Its educational note is intended for adults, not pediatric interpretation.
Common questions
Is non-HDL cholesterol the same as LDL cholesterol?+
No. Non-HDL cholesterol includes LDL cholesterol plus cholesterol carried by other non-HDL particles, such as VLDL and remnant particles. This calculator does not isolate LDL cholesterol.
Do I need a triglyceride result to calculate non-HDL cholesterol?+
No. This calculator uses only total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol. With the defaults, it subtracts 55 mg/dL from 190 mg/dL to give 135 mg/dL.
Must my lipid panel be fasting for this subtraction?+
Non-HDL cholesterol can generally be calculated from either a fasting or nonfasting lipid panel. Follow your clinician's testing instructions, because fasting may still be requested for other measurements or clinical reasons.
Does a non-HDL cholesterol result of 135 mg/dL mean I need treatment?+
The result alone cannot determine whether treatment is needed. A clinician interprets it alongside your overall cardiovascular risk, other lipid results, medical history, and any existing treatment.
Does the calculator save my information?+
Calculations run in your browser. While signed in, inputs and results are automatically recorded in account history; saving a result creates a separate saved record.
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Results are estimates for informational purposes and are not financial, medical or legal advice.