LDL Cholesterol mmol/L to mg/dL Converter
Convert LDL cholesterol between mmol/L and mg/dL in either direction, using the standard 38.67 conversion factor.
Convert LDL Cholesterol
UK labs usually report cholesterol in mmol/L, while US labs use mg/dL. Enter your LDL value, choose the direction, and get the converted result instantly, along with a general reference category.
LDL Cholesterol Converter
Switch between mmol/L and mg/dL with one click.
How the Conversion Works
Key points for converting cholesterol units correctly
Know Your Units
mmol/L measures the number of molecules, while mg/dL measures weight. The UK and much of Europe use mmol/L, and the US uses mg/dL.
Use the 38.67 Factor
Multiply mmol/L by 38.67 to get mg/dL. Divide mg/dL by 38.67 to go the other way. The factor comes from cholesterol’s molecular weight.
Same Factor, Other Cholesterol
HDL and total cholesterol use the same factor as LDL. Triglycerides do not, as they convert using about 88.57 instead.
Interpret With Your Doctor
Reference ranges are general guides. Your own target depends on age, history and overall heart health, so ask your clinician what is right for you.
LDL Cholesterol Conversion Chart
Common LDL values converted from mmol/L to mg/dL, with the general adult reference category often used for each. Category boundaries are approximate and individual targets vary.
| Level | mmol/L | mg/dL | General Reference Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8 | 69.6 | Optimal (below 100 mg/dL) | |
| 2.6 | 100.5 | Optimal / near optimal boundary | |
| 3.0 | 116.0 | Near optimal (100 to 129 mg/dL) | |
| 3.4 | 131.5 | Borderline high (130 to 159 mg/dL) | |
| 4.1 | 158.5 | Borderline high / high boundary | |
| 4.9 | 189.5 | High (160 to 189 mg/dL) | |
| 5.2 | 201.1 | Very high (190 mg/dL and above) |
LDL Converter FAQ
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about converting LDL cholesterol between mmol/L and mg/dL.
Multiply the LDL value in mmol/L by 38.67 to get mg/dL. For example, an LDL of 3.0 mmol/L is about 116 mg/dL.
Divide the LDL value in mg/dL by 38.67 to get mmol/L, or multiply by 0.02586. For example, an LDL of 130 mg/dL is about 3.36 mmol/L.
The factor comes from the molecular weight of cholesterol, which is about 386.65 g/mol. Converting grams per litre to milligrams per decilitre divides that figure by 10, giving roughly 38.67.
Yes. LDL, HDL and total cholesterol all use the same 38.67 factor. Triglycerides use a different factor of about 88.57, so do not use this converter for triglycerides.
General reference categories often describe an LDL below 100 mg/dL (about 2.6 mmol/L) as optimal for adults, but personal targets depend on your overall cardiovascular risk. People at higher risk are often advised to aim lower. Ask your doctor or nurse what target is right for you.