🧪 Cholesterol Units Converter
Convert cholesterol and triglyceride readings between mg/dL and mmol/L, using the correct factor for whichever lipid value you have.
Why cholesterol has two unit systems
Blood lipids — total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglycerides — are reported in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) in the United States and in millimoles per liter (mmol/L) in most other countries. Converting correctly matters because cholesterol and triglycerides use different conversion factors, since they are chemically different molecules with different molar masses.
The conversion formulas
For total cholesterol, LDL and HDL, 1 mmol/L equals approximately 38.67 mg/dL. For triglycerides, 1 mmol/L equals approximately 88.57 mg/dL. This calculator selects the correct factor based on which lipid type you choose and converts in whichever direction you need.
- Always double check which lipid type you are converting — using the cholesterol factor for triglycerides (or vice versa) gives an incorrect result.
- Lab reports sometimes round values slightly differently than this calculator; treat results as close approximations.
This tool is for general reference and educational purposes only and does not replace an official lab report or advice from a healthcare provider.