HDL Cholesterol Conversion: mg/dL to mmol/L and mmol/L to mg/dL

HDL Cholesterol

mg/dL

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For general information only. Always discuss your cholesterol results with your doctor or healthcare provider.

HDL Cholesterol Conversion Chart

HDL Cholesterol uses the same factor as total cholesterol, 38.67. Triglycerides use a different factor, 88.5. Categories are from the HDL cholesterol reference ranges on our converter page.

mg/dL to mmol/L

mg/dL	mmol/L	Category
20	0.5	Low (increased risk)
25	0.6	Low (increased risk)
30	0.8	Low (increased risk)
35	0.9	Low (increased risk)
40	1.0	Below optimal
45	1.2	Below optimal
50	1.3	Below optimal
55	1.4	Below optimal
60	1.6	Optimal
65	1.7	Optimal
70	1.8	Optimal
75	1.9	Optimal
80	2.1	Optimal
85	2.2	Optimal
90	2.3	Optimal
95	2.5	Optimal
100	2.6	Optimal

mmol/L to mg/dL

mmol/L	mg/dL	Category
0.5	19	Low (increased risk)
0.6	23	Low (increased risk)
0.7	27	Low (increased risk)
0.8	31	Low (increased risk)
0.9	35	Low (increased risk)
1.0	39	Low (increased risk)
1.1	43	Below optimal
1.2	46	Below optimal
1.3	50	Below optimal
1.4	54	Below optimal
1.5	58	Below optimal
1.6	62	Optimal
1.7	66	Optimal
1.8	70	Optimal
1.9	73	Optimal
2.0	77	Optimal
2.1	81	Optimal
2.2	85	Optimal
2.3	89	Optimal
2.4	93	Optimal
2.5	97	Optimal

For example, 1.5 mmol/L is 58 mg/dL. Need other values? See the full cholesterol conversion chart.

What Your HDL Cholesterol Result Means

HDL Cholesterol (the "good" cholesterol)

Unlike total cholesterol and LDL, higher HDL is better. HDL helps transport cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver for processing. Low HDL is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, even when other cholesterol values are acceptable.

Category	mg/dL	mmol/L
Low (increased risk)	Below 40	1.0 and below
Below optimal	40 to 59	1.1 to 1.5
Optimal	60 and above	1.6 and above

Important: These are general population reference ranges. Your doctor will interpret your results in the context of your full cardiovascular risk profile, including age, blood pressure, smoking status, diabetes, family history, and existing heart conditions. Someone with existing heart disease may be set much lower LDL targets than a healthy young person with the same reading.

This tool is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Reference ranges shown are general population guidelines and may not reflect your individual targets. Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider for personalized guidance on your cholesterol results.