Why do cholesterol and triglycerides use different factors?

Conversion between mass and molar units depends on molar mass. Cholesterol (and LDL/HDL, which are measured as cholesterol) divides by 38.67, while triglycerides, which are larger molecules, divide by 88.57.

What is the conversion factor for total cholesterol?

To convert total cholesterol, LDL, or HDL from mg/dL to mmol/L, divide by 38.67. To go from mmol/L to mg/dL, multiply by 38.67. For example, 200 mg/dL equals about 5.17 mmol/L.

What is a healthy total cholesterol level?

A desirable total cholesterol is below 200 mg/dL (5.2 mmol/L). LDL below 100 mg/dL (2.6 mmol/L) and HDL above 40 mg/dL (1.0 mmol/L) for men or 50 mg/dL (1.3 mmol/L) for women are common targets, though individual goals vary by risk.

Can I use this for LDL and HDL too?

Yes. LDL and HDL are reported as cholesterol mass, so they use the same 38.67 factor as total cholesterol. Only triglycerides use the separate 88.57 factor.

Is my data stored anywhere?

No. The conversion runs entirely in your browser and the values you enter are never transmitted to or saved on any server.

Cholesterol Unit Converter (mg/dL to mmol/L)

The Cholesterol Unit Converter switches lipid-panel results between mg/dL (used in the US and several other countries) and mmol/L (used in the UK, Canada, Australia, and most of Europe). Because each lipid is a different molecule, the converter uses the correct factor for the analyte you choose.

How it works

Converting a mass concentration to a molar concentration depends on the molar mass of the substance:

Total cholesterol, LDL, and HDL are reported as cholesterol mass (molar mass ≈ 386.65), giving a factor of 38.67.
Triglycerides are larger molecules (effective molar mass ≈ 885.7), giving a factor of 88.57.

The conversions are:

Cholesterol mmol/L = mg/dL ÷ 38.67 (and × 38.67 to reverse)

Triglycerides mmol/L = mg/dL ÷ 88.57 (and × 88.57 to reverse)

For example, a total cholesterol of 200 mg/dL equals 200 ÷ 38.67 ≈ 5.17 mmol/L, and triglycerides of 150 mg/dL equal 150 ÷ 88.57 ≈ 1.69 mmol/L.

Reference values and notes

Desirable total cholesterol is below 200 mg/dL (5.2 mmol/L); LDL below 100 mg/dL (2.6 mmol/L) is a common goal, with stricter targets for high-risk patients. HDL above 40 mg/dL (men) or 50 mg/dL (women) is protective, and triglycerides below 150 mg/dL (1.7 mmol/L) are normal.

Always pick the matching analyte before converting — using the cholesterol factor on a triglyceride value (or vice versa) produces a result that is more than twice off. Interpret all converted values against your own laboratory’s reference ranges.