What this calculator does
Cholesterol is reported in mg/dL in the United States and mmol/L almost everywhere else, and the conversion factor is not the same for every line on a lipid panel. Cholesterol uses 0.02586 and triglycerides 0.01129.
That difference catches people out. A total cholesterol of 200 mg/dL is 5.17 mmol/L, while triglycerides of 150 mg/dL are 1.69 mmol/L, because triglyceride molecules are considerably heavier.
The formula
The measurement type selects the conversion factor, which is then applied in the chosen direction. Cholesterol and triglycerides have different molar masses and therefore different factors.
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| mg/dL | Milligrams per decilitre, a mass measure used in the United States. |
| mmol/L | Millimoles per litre, a molar measure used internationally. |
| Separate factors | 0.02586 for cholesterol and 0.01129 for triglycerides. |
The inputs explained
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Measurement | Which measurement. Using the cholesterol factor on triglycerides gives a wrong answer by more than double. |
| Direction | Which direction to convert in. |
| Value | The value to convert. |
When to use it
Reading international guidance
Target ranges published in the other unit need converting first.
Comparing results across countries
A lipid panel from abroad arrives in the other convention.
Converting a whole panel
Cholesterol and triglyceride lines need different factors.
Worked examples
Every figure in the tables below is produced by this page’s own calculator at build time, so the numbers and the tool always agree. Select any row to load that scenario.
What do common cholesterol levels convert to?
Three cholesterol levels converted.
| Value in mg/dL | Converted value | mmol/L value |
|---|---|---|
| 150 mg/dL | 3.88 mmol/L | 3.88 mmol/L |
| 200 mg/dL | 5.17 mmol/L | 5.17 mmol/L |
| 240 mg/dL | 6.21 mmol/L | 6.21 mmol/L |
Questions
Why do cholesterol and triglycerides use different factors?
Because the conversion depends on molar mass, and triglyceride molecules are far heavier than cholesterol molecules. Using one factor for both would overstate triglycerides in mmol/L by well over double.
Is there a quick approximation?
Dividing mg/dL by 39 gives mmol/L for cholesterol closely enough for a rough check, and dividing by 89 works for triglycerides. Both are approximations of the exact factors.
Does HDL use the cholesterol factor?
Yes. HDL, LDL and total cholesterol are all cholesterol and share the same factor. Only triglycerides differ on a standard lipid panel.
What are the target ranges?
They depend on individual cardiovascular risk rather than applying universally, and they differ between guidelines. Targets should come from the clinician managing your care.
For a single risk ratio from the panel, see the cholesterol ratio calculator. For glucose unit conversion, see the blood glucose converter.