Cholesterol Units Converter
Convert cholesterol measurements between mg/dL, mmol/L, and mg/L for accurate international lipid panel comparison.
Select your cholesterol type and source unit, enter the value, and instantly see the equivalent in all three measurement units used worldwide.
Cholesterol Units Converter
Convert cholesterol measurements between mg/dL, mmol/L, and mg/L for accurate international lipid panel comparison.
About the cholesterol units converter
Cholesterol is measured in different units around the world, which can cause confusion when comparing lab results from different countries or reading international medical literature. The two most common units are milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), used primarily in the United States, and millimoles per liter (mmol/L), the international standard used in the UK, Canada, Australia, Europe, and most of the rest of the world. A third unit, mg/L (milligrams per liter), appears occasionally in some laboratory contexts and is simply the mg/dL value multiplied by 10.
Converting between mg/dL and mmol/L requires knowing the molecular weight of the substance being measured. For total cholesterol, HDL, and LDL — all of which share essentially the same molecular weight of approximately 386.65 g/mol — the conversion factor is 38.67: divide mg/dL by 38.67 to get mmol/L, or multiply mmol/L by 38.67 to get mg/dL. For example, the common target of 200 mg/dL corresponds to approximately 5.17 mmol/L.
Triglycerides require a different conversion factor because they have a higher average molecular weight of about 885.4 g/mol. To convert triglycerides from mg/dL to mmol/L, divide by 88.57. So a triglyceride level of 150 mg/dL corresponds to roughly 1.69 mmol/L. Using the wrong factor for triglycerides is a common error that can lead to significantly incorrect values, which is why this converter applies the appropriate factor automatically based on the cholesterol type you select.
Knowing how to convert units is especially important for patients who travel, receive care internationally, or consult telemedicine providers in countries that use different standards. It also matters when reading clinical studies, which increasingly report values in mmol/L, or when comparing your results with reference ranges from a different country. The converter supports all four major lipid panel components — Total Cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and Triglycerides — and provides outputs in all three units simultaneously so you can see the complete picture at a glance.
Remember that normal ranges also differ by unit. In mg/dL, a desirable total cholesterol is below 200; in mmol/L the equivalent is below 5.17. For HDL, a protective level is above 60 mg/dL or 1.55 mmol/L. For LDL, a target below 100 mg/dL corresponds to 2.59 mmol/L. Understanding these conversions helps you interpret your own results correctly regardless of which unit system your healthcare provider or lab uses.
Cholesterol unit conversion examples
Click any example button to load it into the converter and see the full conversion instantly.
| Input | All units | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Total Cholesterol 200 mg/dL | 5.17 mmol/L • 2000 mg/L | Borderline-high total cholesterol in US units converted to international standard. |
| HDL Cholesterol 1.3 mmol/L | 50.27 mg/dL • 502.7 mg/L | A moderately protective HDL level expressed in UK/European mmol/L. |
| LDL Cholesterol 160 mg/dL | 4.14 mmol/L • 1600 mg/L | Elevated LDL in US units — above 130 mg/dL target for most adults. |
| Triglycerides 150 mg/dL | 1.69 mmol/L • 1500 mg/L | Borderline-high triglyceride level; converted using the 88.57 factor. |
How to use the cholesterol units converter
- Select the cholesterol type (Total, HDL, LDL, or Triglycerides) from the first dropdown — this determines the correct molecular weight conversion factor.
- Choose the unit your lab result is expressed in: mg/dL, mmol/L, or mg/L.
- Enter your cholesterol value in the Value field.
- Click Convert to see the equivalent value in all three units simultaneously.
- Use the result to compare with guidelines or share values with providers using a different unit system.
Cholesterol units converter FAQ
What is the conversion factor for cholesterol mg/dL to mmol/L?
For Total Cholesterol, HDL, and LDL, divide mg/dL by 38.67 to get mmol/L, or multiply mmol/L by 38.67 to get mg/dL. For Triglycerides the factor is 88.57, because triglycerides have a higher molecular weight than cholesterol molecules.
Why is the triglycerides conversion factor different?
Conversion factors are based on molecular weight. Cholesterol (Total, HDL, LDL) has a molecular weight of approximately 386.65 g/mol, giving a factor of 38.67. Triglycerides average about 885.4 g/mol, giving a factor of 88.57. Using the wrong factor for triglycerides produces significantly incorrect values.
Which countries use mmol/L and which use mg/dL?
The United States uses mg/dL as the standard for cholesterol reporting. Most other countries — including the UK, Canada, Australia, and EU member states — use mmol/L. If your doctor is in a different country from your lab, or if you are reading international research, this converter helps you compare values correctly.
What is mg/L and when is it used?
mg/L (milligrams per liter) equals mg/dL multiplied by 10, since one liter is ten deciliters. It appears occasionally in some laboratory software and older documentation. It is rarely used in routine clinical practice but is supported here for completeness.
What are the target cholesterol levels in both unit systems?
Desirable total cholesterol is below 200 mg/dL or 5.17 mmol/L; HDL above 60 mg/dL or 1.55 mmol/L is protective; optimal LDL is below 100 mg/dL or 2.59 mmol/L; and normal fasting triglycerides are below 150 mg/dL or 1.69 mmol/L. Your personal targets may differ based on cardiovascular risk factors.
Is this converter suitable for clinical use?
The mathematical conversions are accurate based on established molecular weights. However, slight variations in exact conversion factors appear across different laboratory manuals. For clinical decision-making, always verify converted values with your healthcare provider and the reference ranges used by your specific laboratory.