MedCalcHub stores your favorites, history, and saved calculations locally in your browser using localStorage. This data never leaves your device.
Optional advertising, when enabled, may use third-party cookies or similar technologies. You can accept or reject advertising below.
Calculates non-HDL cholesterol (total cholesterol minus HDL cholesterol). Non-HDL captures all atherogenic apolipoprotein B-containing lipoproteins, including LDL, VLDL, IDL, and remnants, and is a secondary lipid treatment target per ATP III guidelines.
Non-HDL cholesterol (mg/dL) = Total cholesterol − HDL cholesterol
< 160 mg/dL (optimal < 130)
Non-HDL cholesterol answers a distinct clinical question from calculated LDL: it reflects the total atherogenic (apolipoprotein B-containing) particle burden, including VLDL and remnant cholesterol.
Specialty
Internal MedicineCategory
LaboratoryDifficulty
Basic
Estimated Time
30 seconds
Version
1.0
Last Updated
2026-08-16
Formula
Keywords
Normal Range
< 160 mg/dL (optimal < 130)
| Classification | Range |
|---|---|
Optimal fasting | < 130 |
Near optimal / above optimal fasting | 130–159 |
Borderline high fasting | 160–189 |
High fasting | 190–219 |
Very high fasting | ≥ 220 |
Calculates non-HDL cholesterol (total cholesterol minus HDL), a measure of total atherogenic (apolipoprotein B-containing) particle burden used as a secondary lipid target.
Non-HDL < 130 is optimal; 130–159 near optimal; 160–189 borderline high; 190–219 high; ≥ 220 very high. Targets are set 30 mg/dL above the corresponding LDL goal.
Non-HDL cholesterol captures all atherogenic lipoproteins, including VLDL and remnant particles missed by LDL alone. It is a useful secondary target, particularly when triglycerides are elevated.
A 60-year-old woman with diabetes has total cholesterol 240 mg/dL and HDL 50 mg/dL.
Inputs:
Non-HDL cholesterol = 240 − 50 = 190 mg/dL — high (190–219).
It reflects all apolipoprotein B-containing atherogenic particles and remains reliable when triglycerides are elevated, where calculated LDL becomes less accurate.
ATP III sets non-HDL goals approximately 30 mg/dL above the corresponding LDL goal.
Fasting samples with normal triglycerides
Metabolic syndrome evaluation
Disclaimer: This calculator is intended for educational and clinical decision support purposes only. Lipid management should follow contemporary guidelines and individualized patient risk assessment.