Estimate LDL Cholesterol From a Standard Lipid Panel

How to Use This Tool

Apply the traditional mg/dL Friedewald equation to total, HDL and triglycerides. The equation is sometimes applied to mmol/L or high triglycerides, producing a plausible but invalid result.

What Friedewald LDL actually establishes

Modern laboratories may use direct LDL or newer equations, particularly when triglycerides are high or LDL is low. The page returns estimated ldl cholesterol in mg/dl from the measurements named below; Friedewald LDL does not verify how they were collected or combine them with symptoms, examination findings and medical history.

Equation and input contract for Friedewald LDL

Traditional Friedewald LDL in mg/dL equals total cholesterol − HDL − triglycerides ÷ 5. The required entries are Total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, Triglycerides; values should come from the same dated observation, specimen or record unless a label explicitly calls for different dates.

• For Friedewald LDL, Total cholesterol uses the example 220 mg/dL; replace it with the value and unit from the same record.
• For Friedewald LDL, HDL cholesterol uses the example 55 mg/dL; replace it with the value and unit from the same record.
• For Friedewald LDL, Triglycerides uses the example 150 mg/dL; replace it with the value and unit from the same record.

Using estimated ldl cholesterol in mg/dl safely

Use the LDL value and method reported by the laboratory for care decisions and ask which equation was used. For Friedewald LDL, an unexpected answer should prompt a check of units, dates, transcription and the original measurement method. Do not adjust medicine, feeding, fluids, exercise, screening or treatment to make the result match an expected value.

The page-specific limit of Friedewald LDL

This implementation assumes mg/dL and does not validate fasting status, high triglycerides, dysbetalipoproteinemia or laboratory suitability. Preserve that limitation with any saved estimated ldl cholesterol in mg/dl. A reference interval or action threshold still depends on the patient, collection method, laboratory and clinical setting, none of which this arithmetic selects automatically.

Evidence reviewed for Friedewald LDL

The attached reference is NIH MedlinePlus — Cholesterol levels. It supports the equation, definition or measurement practice used for estimated ldl cholesterol in mg/dl, while the original report and a licensed pediatrician, physician, pharmacist or other relevant professional remain authoritative for interpretation.

Emergency boundary

Do not use a calculator during a possible emergency. Severe breathing difficulty, blue or gray color, seizure, fainting, new confusion, stroke symptoms, inability to wake or rapid deterioration require urgent local medical help.

Privacy and repeatability for Friedewald LDL

Friedewald LDL runs in the current browser tab without requesting a name, login or medical-record connection. Keep identifying details out of the fields, preserve the original units and remember that extra decimal places cannot repair an uncertain measurement.