Cholesterol mmol/L → mg/dL
Convert total, LDL or HDL cholesterol from mmol/L to mg/dL
Sources last checked: 2026-10-13
Cholesterol mmol/L → mg/dL
Convert total, LDL or HDL cholesterol from mmol/L to mg/dL
Same factor for total, LDL, HDL and non-HDL cholesterol. Not valid for triglycerides, which have their own factor.
What is the Cholesterol mmol/L → mg/dL?
Cholesterol fractions are reported in mmol/L across most of Europe and in mg/dL in Germany, Austria, Turkey and the USA. The AMA Manual of Style SI table gives 0.0259 mmol/L per mg/dL (cholesterol molar mass 386.7 g/mol), so dividing by 0.0259 multiplies by about 38.6. The same factor applies to total, LDL, HDL and non-HDL cholesterol.
When to use it
- Comparing lipid results with targets in the other unit (ESC/EAS targets are given in both)
- Using risk charts or calculators defined in mg/dL
- Reading international trial data
When not to use it
- Triglycerides — they need a different factor
- Lipoprotein(a), which is reported in nmol/L or mg/dL and cannot be converted reliably
How it is calculated
Cholesterol (mg/dL) = cholesterol (mmol/L) ÷ 0.0259 (≈ × 38.6)
Clinical pearls and limitations
- Same factor for total, LDL, HDL and non-HDL cholesterol. Not valid for triglycerides, which have their own factor.
- LDL 1.4 mmol/L ≈ 55 mg/dL and 1.8 mmol/L ≈ 70 mg/dL — the ESC very-high and high-risk targets.
- Quick check: mmol/L × 38.7 ≈ mg/dL.
- Report mg/dL as whole numbers.
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert cholesterol from mmol/L to mg/dL?
Divide by 0.0259 (≈ multiply by 38.6). Example: 5.0 mmol/L ≈ 193 mg/dL.
Is the factor the same for LDL and HDL?
Yes — all cholesterol fractions use the same factor because they measure the same molecule.
What is LDL 1.8 mmol/L in mg/dL?
About 70 mg/dL.
Evidence and guidelines
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<p><a href="https://medelix.ai/en/calculators/cholesterol-mmol-l-to-mg-dl">Cholesterol mmol/L → mg/dL calculator by Medelix</a></p>For healthcare professionals and medical students. These tools support, and do not replace, clinical judgement. Always check results against the original source and your local protocols.