VLDL and LDL Cholesterol Calculator

Specimen: Fasting serum with triglycerides < 400 mg/dL. Fasting is typically "overnight".

Friedewald Formulas

VLDL cholesterol in mg/dL =

= ((triglycerides in mg/dL) / 5)

LDL cholesterol =

= ((total cholesterol in mg/dL) - (VLDL cholesterol in mg/dL) - (HDL cholesterol in mg/dL)) =

= (total cholesterol in mg/dL) - (((triglycerides in mg/dL) / 5) + (HDL cholesterol in mg/dL))

NOTE: This assumes that results are in mg/dL. For mmol/L, divide by 2.2 instead of 5.

Limitations:

• The calculations are not valid when the triglyceride > 400 mg/dL or if the patient has a type III hyperlipoproteinemia.