Lipids

LDL cholesterol unit converter

Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol

Also known as: LDL, LDL-C, Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, Bad cholesterol, Cholestérol LDL, Colesterol LDL

Converter

Enter a value in any unit and all other units fill in.

g/L mmol/L mg/dL g/dL mg/L µmol/L

Worked example

1.295 mmol/L (middle of the reference range) = 50.1 mg/dL

Conversion formulas

g/L	g/L = mmol/L × 0.3867	mmol/L = g/L × 2.586
mg/dL	mg/dL = mmol/L × 38.65	mmol/L = mg/dL × 0.02587
g/dL	g/dL = mmol/L × 0.03866	mmol/L = g/dL × 25.86
mg/L	mg/L = mmol/L × 386.6	mmol/L = mg/L × 0.002586
µmol/L	µmol/L = mmol/L × 1000	mmol/L = µmol/L × 0.001

Reference range

Unit	Adults
g/L	0 – 1.002
mmol/L	0 – 2.59
mg/dL	0 – 100.1
g/dL	0 – 0.1001
mg/L	0 – 1001
µmol/L	0 – 2590

Source: MedlinePlus (NLM): LDL test · Last reviewed: 2026-10-14

Note from the source: Goal-based: under 100 mg/dL (2.59 mmol/L) for moderate risk, under 70 mg/dL for high risk, under 55 mg/dL after heart attack or stroke (MedlinePlus)

Frequently asked questions

How do I convert LDL cholesterol from mmol/L to mg/dL?

mg/dL = mmol/L × 38.65. In the other direction: mmol/L = mg/dL × 0.02587.

What is the reference range of LDL cholesterol?

For adults the range is 0 – 2.59 mmol/L (MedlinePlus (NLM): LDL test). Reference ranges differ between laboratories and partly by sex and age; use the range printed on your lab report.

Which units are used for LDL cholesterol?

Common units are g/L, mmol/L, mg/dL, g/dL, mg/L, µmol/L.