A lipid panel reports several numbers, and they do not all use the same conversion factor. Every cholesterol fraction (total, LDL, HDL and VLDL) converts with 38.67, because each is measured as cholesterol. Triglycerides are a different molecule and use 88.57. Mixing the two up is the most common lipid conversion mistake.
Converters in This Group
| Test | mmol/L → mg/dL factor | Convert | Reverse |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Cholesterol | × 38.67 | Total Cholesterol mmol/L to mg/dL | Total Cholesterol mg/dL to mmol/L |
| LDL Cholesterol | × 38.67 | LDL Cholesterol mmol/L to mg/dL | LDL Cholesterol mg/dL to mmol/L |
| HDL Cholesterol | × 38.67 | HDL Cholesterol mmol/L to mg/dL | HDL Cholesterol mg/dL to mmol/L |
| VLDL Cholesterol | × 38.67 | VLDL Cholesterol mmol/L to mg/dL | VLDL Cholesterol mg/dL to mmol/L |
| Triglycerides | × 88.57 | Triglycerides mmol/L to mg/dL | Triglycerides mg/dL to mmol/L |
To convert mg/dL to mmol/L, divide by the same factor. For ready-made tables, see the mmol/L to mg/dL conversion charts.
About These Tests
Total Cholesterol
All the cholesterol carried in your blood. Below 5.2 mmol/L (200 mg/dL) is considered desirable for most adults.
LDL Cholesterol
“Bad” cholesterol, the main target of treatment. Below 2.6 mmol/L (100 mg/dL) is optimal; lower targets apply if your heart risk is high.
HDL Cholesterol
“Good” cholesterol that removes cholesterol from the arteries. Below 1.0 mmol/L (40 mg/dL) in men or 1.3 mmol/L (50 mg/dL) in women is considered low.
VLDL Cholesterol
Cholesterol carried by very-low-density lipoproteins. It is usually estimated from triglycerides rather than measured directly.
Triglycerides
Blood fats from food and the liver. Below 1.7 mmol/L (150 mg/dL) is normal. Triglycerides use a different factor (88.57) than cholesterol.
How the Factors Are Calculated
Each factor is the molar mass of the substance (g/mol) divided by 10. Factors were last verified on 24 September 2026. Read more in our editorial policy.
Sources
- Mach F et al. 2019 ESC/EAS Guidelines for the management of dyslipidaemias. Eur Heart J 2020;41:111–188. National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Adult Treatment Panel III report, 2002.
- IUPAC Commission on Isotopic Abundances and Atomic Weights. Standard atomic weights (used for all molar masses).
Reference ranges vary between laboratories. Use the range printed on your own report and discuss results with your doctor.