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LDL (Friedewald) Calculator

Work out ldl (friedewald) instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.

About LDL (Friedewald) Calculator

Estimates LDL cholesterol with the Friedewald equation, which infers VLDL as one fifth of the triglyceride concentration.

Formula

Friedewald equation

LDL = total cholesterol - HDL - triglycerides/5 (mg/dL). In mmol/L the divisor is 2.2.

Worked example

With the default values below, LDL (Friedewald) Calculator returns LDL cholesterol of 120.0. Change any input above and every figure here is recalculated in your browser.

Inputs used

Total cholesterolaccepts 50–500 mg/dL
200 mg/dL
HDL cholesterolaccepts 10–150 mg/dL
50 mg/dL
Triglyceridesaccepts 20–900 mg/dL
150 mg/dL

Results

LDL cholesterol
120.0 mg/dL
Estimated VLDL
30.0 mg/dL
Non-HDL cholesterol
150.0 mg/dL
Formula validity
Valid — triglycerides at or below 400 mg/dL

Step by step

  1. 1Values used
  2. 2Friedewald equation
  3. 3LDL cholesterol= 120.0 mg/dL
  4. 4Estimated VLDL= 30.0 mg/dL
  5. 5Non-HDL cholesterol= 150.0 mg/dL
  6. 6Formula validity= Valid — triglycerides at or below 400 mg/dL

Assumptions and limits

  • The result is derived only from the 3 inputs listed above. Anything not among them is not part of the calculation.
  • In particular, this calculator does not take inflation, tax, fees or charges or compounding frequency into account.
  • Figures are rounded for display to 1 decimal place, so totals built from several rounded parts can differ slightly from the unrounded arithmetic.
  • Educational estimate only. Not a substitute for professional clinical judgement, and must not be used to make treatment or dosing decisions.
  • This is an estimate for general information and not professional medical advice. See the full disclaimer for the limits that apply to this kind of calculator.

How these calculators are built and tested is described on the Methodology page. If a figure looks wrong, please report it.

Educational estimate only. Not a substitute for professional clinical judgement, and must not be used to make treatment or dosing decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Friedewald fail?

Above 400 mg/dL triglycerides, in non-fasting samples and at very low LDL values, where a direct assay is preferred.

Why is non-HDL also shown?

Non-HDL cholesterol needs no triglyceride assumption and is a useful check when Friedewald is borderline.

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