🔄 Cholesterol Units Converter
Switch seamlessly between U.S. (mg/dL) and SI (mmol/L) units for lipid panel components.
Total Cholesterol
Desirable < 200 mg/dL (5.2 mmol/L)
Conversion factors: Total/HDL/LDL × 0.0259 to get mmol/L • Triglycerides × 0.0113 to get mmol/L.
How to Use This Converter
Choose the lipid fraction
Select total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, or triglycerides based on the lab value you need to convert.
Enter a value in either unit
Type your laboratory result into mg/dL or mmol/L. The other box updates instantly using the correct conversion factor.
Note reference targets
Use the guideline-based ranges displayed below the inputs as a contextual reminder during counselling or documentation.
Formula
Cholesterol and triglyceride conversions between conventional and SI units use fixed factors:
- Total/HDL/LDL: mmol/L = mg/dL × 0.0259 (equivalent to dividing by 38.67)
- Total/HDL/LDL: mg/dL = mmol/L × 38.67
- Triglycerides: mmol/L = mg/dL × 0.0113 (divide by 88.57)
- Triglycerides: mg/dL = mmol/L × 88.57
Conversion factors are derived from molecular weight (cholesterol 386.7 g/mol, triglycerides approximated by triolein 885.7 g/mol). They match CDC, NIH, and international lab standards.
Full Description
Laboratories in North America commonly report lipids in mg/dL, whereas Europe, Canada, and many research publications use mmol/L. Accurate conversion is essential when interpreting international guidelines, research studies, and electronic medical records compiled from diverse sources.
Conversions help standardise documentation, share results with providers overseas, and teach patients reading resources that use different units. For triglycerides, note that mmol/L more closely reflects particle count. Clinicians often convert when applying risk calculators or when adjusting therapy based on global consensus statements.
Pair this converter with our cholesterol ratio and LDL calculators for a comprehensive lipid assessment toolkit supporting cardiovascular prevention programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are triglyceride conversions different?
Triglycerides have a higher molecular weight than cholesterol, so the conversion factor (88.57) differs from the 38.67 used for cholesterol fractions.
Do I need fasting values?
Non-fasting lipids are acceptable for many situations, but triglycerides may rise post-meal. Record whether the sample was fasting for comparison.
How precise are the conversions?
Factors are internationally standardised. Rounding to 1 decimal (mg/dL) or 3 decimals (mmol/L) matches clinical reporting accuracy.
Can I convert apoB or lp(a) with this tool?
No. ApoB and lipoprotein(a) use different units (mg/dL, nmol/L) and require distinct conversion factors. Use dedicated calculators.
Where do these factors come from?
They are published by the CDC/NHLBI, IFCC, and laboratory reference manuals, based on molecular weight and unit definitions.