LDL Friedewald: TC 190, HDL 55, TG 120 mg/dL
With total cholesterol 190, HDL 55, and triglycerides 120 mg/dL, the Friedewald LDL estimate is 111 mg/dL.
How to use this tool
- Enter total cholesterol in mg/dL.
- Enter HDL cholesterol in mg/dL.
- Enter triglycerides in mg/dL (must be under 400 for a valid result).
- Read your estimated LDL cholesterol and category.
Estimate LDL cholesterol for a near-optimal lipid panel using the standard Friedewald formula.
Frequently asked questions
- When is the Friedewald LDL not valid?
- It is unreliable and not used when triglycerides are 400 mg/dL or higher, because the triglycerides-divided-by-5 estimate of VLDL no longer holds. A direct LDL measurement is preferred then.
- Do I need to fast before the test?
- The Friedewald estimate assumes a fasting lipid panel, since recent meals raise triglycerides and distort the VLDL term and therefore the LDL estimate.
- What is a healthy LDL level?
- An LDL below 100 mg/dL is generally considered optimal for most adults, but individual targets depend on overall cardiovascular risk and should be set with a clinician.