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Estimates low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) from a standard fasting lipid panel using the Friedewald equation: LDL = total cholesterol − HDL − (triglycerides / 5). Used for cardiovascular risk assessment and lipid-lowering treatment targets. Not valid when triglycerides are ≥ 400 mg/dL.
LDL-C (mg/dL) = Total cholesterol − HDL − (Triglycerides / 5)
< 130 mg/dL (optimal < 100)
The Friedewald equation assumes VLDL cholesterol is approximately triglycerides/5 (mg/dL). It answers a distinct laboratory question from non-HDL cholesterol, which captures all apolipoprotein B-containing lipoproteins.
Specialty
Internal MedicineCategory
LaboratoryDifficulty
Basic
Estimated Time
30 seconds
Version
1.0
Last Updated
2026-08-16
Formula
Keywords
Normal Range
< 130 mg/dL (optimal < 100)
| Classification | Range |
|---|---|
Optimal fasting | < 100 |
Near optimal / above optimal fasting | 100–129 |
Borderline high fasting | 130–159 |
High fasting | 160–189 |
Very high fasting | ≥ 190 |
Estimates LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) from a fasting lipid panel using the Friedewald equation, supporting cardiovascular risk assessment and lipid-lowering treatment targets.
LDL < 100 is optimal; 100–129 near optimal/above optimal; 130–159 borderline high; 160–189 high; ≥ 190 very high. Actual treatment targets depend on the patient's ASCVD risk category.
LDL cholesterol is the primary lipid target in ASCVD prevention. Accurate estimation with the Friedewald equation is central to risk stratification and to the initiation and monitoring of lipid-lowering therapy.
A 55-year-old man with hypertension has a fasting lipid panel: total cholesterol 240 mg/dL, HDL 50 mg/dL, triglycerides 150 mg/dL.
Inputs:
LDL = 240 − 50 − (150 ÷ 5) = 160 mg/dL — high LDL cholesterol (160–189).
The equation is invalid when triglycerides are ≥ 400 mg/dL, in chylomicronemia, and in Type III hyperlipoproteinemia. Use direct LDL measurement instead.
The equation assumes fasting triglycerides. Non-fasting triglycerides are higher and can falsely lower the calculated LDL.
Patients with elevated triglycerides
Metabolic syndrome evaluation
Disclaimer: This calculator is intended for educational and clinical decision support purposes only. LDL treatment decisions must be based on the patient's overall cardiovascular risk and clinical judgment.