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Cholesterol HDL Ratio Calculator (TC/HDL)
The total-cholesterol-to-HDL ratio (TC/HDL) is the cholesterol ratio most doctors quote, and this calculator works it out from your lipid panel: TC/HDL = total cholesterol ÷ HDL. Below about 3.5 is ideal, under 5 is good, 5–6 is borderline, and above 6 is high — so raising HDL or lowering total cholesterol both improve it. For example, a total of 200 mg/dL with an HDL of 50 gives a ratio of 4.0 (good). Enter your numbers in mg/dL or mmol/L to see the TC/HDL ratio with its risk band, alongside LDL/HDL, TG/HDL and non-HDL for the full picture. Remember a ratio is a cardiovascular risk marker, not a diagnosis — lower is generally better, but treatment decisions belong with a clinician. Free, private, and computed entirely in your browser.
TC/HDL = total cholesterol ÷ HDL — ideal <3.5, good <5, borderline 5–6, high >6
- Worked example: total 200 mg/dL ÷ HDL 50 = 4.0 (good)
- Shown with LDL/HDL, TG/HDL and non-HDL for the complete panel
Frequently asked questions
What is a good total cholesterol to HDL ratio?
A TC/HDL ratio below about 3.5 is ideal, under 5 is good, 5–6 is borderline and above 6 is high. It is total cholesterol divided by HDL, so a higher HDL or lower total cholesterol both lower the ratio. A ratio of 4.0 (e.g. total 200, HDL 50) sits in the good range. It is a risk marker, not a diagnosis.
Is the cholesterol ratio better than total cholesterol alone?
The ratio adds context that a single total-cholesterol number misses, because it accounts for protective HDL. Two people with the same total cholesterol can have very different ratios depending on their HDL. That said, many clinicians now favour non-HDL cholesterol (total − HDL) as a target — this tool shows both, plus LDL/HDL and TG/HDL.