Cholesterol Ratio & Risk Calculator

Compute common ratios (Total/HDL, LDL/HDL, Non-HDL) and AIP. Private by design—everything runs locally in your browser.

Your numbers

Units:
You can type in either unit—toggle updates the formulas & labels.
Required
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Leave blank to auto-estimate when safe
Required for AIP and LDL estimate

Results

Total / HDL ratio
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Tip: lower is generally better.
LDL / HDL ratio
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Non-HDL cholesterol
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TC − HDL
Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP)
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log₁₀(TG/HDL) using mmol/L

Friendly note: These are educational estimates and not a diagnosis. Talk with your clinician for personal advice.

About these numbers (gentle guide)

Cholesterol results can feel confusing, so this calculator focuses on clear, friendly ratios. Ratios summarise how different lipids interact rather than looking at one number in isolation. They can be useful discussion starters with your clinician, especially when combined with your history, blood pressure, age, smoking status, and other risk factors. Values may be shown in mg/dL or mmol/L—you can switch units at the top, and the tool converts and calculates for you.

  • Total/HDL ratio — a quick balance check between all cholesterol and the “protective” HDL portion. Many clinicians prefer it below ~3.5; 3.5–5 is often described as moderate; >5 may indicate higher cardiometabolic risk. These cut-offs are rules of thumb, not personal medical advice.
  • LDL/HDL ratio — compares LDL (“bad”) to HDL (“good”). As a rough guide, <2.0 looks friendlier, 2.0–3.5 is borderline, and >3.5 tends higher. If you don’t have a measured LDL, the tool may estimate it from Total, HDL, and Triglycerides using the Friedewald equation when triglycerides are not high.
  • Non-HDL cholesterol — Total minus HDL. This captures cholesterol carried by apoB-containing particles (including LDL, VLDL, remnants). Many guidelines use non-HDL as an alternative treatment target because it reflects a broader particle pool than LDL alone.
  • Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP) — log₁₀(TG/HDL) calculated in mmol/L. Typical interpretation is <0.11 low, 0.11–0.21 intermediate, >0.21 high. AIP reflects the relationship between triglycerides and HDL and may correlate with the presence of smaller, denser LDL particles.

Helpful context

  • Fasting vs non-fasting: Modern practice often accepts non-fasting lipids, but triglycerides can rise after meals, which may nudge AIP and the LDL estimate. If values seem unexpected, a repeat test may help.
  • Estimates vs direct measurements: When LDL is calculated (not directly measured), high triglycerides can reduce accuracy. The tool avoids estimating LDL when triglycerides are above common safety thresholds.
  • Day-to-day variation: Hydration, recent illness, medications, and lab methods can shift results slightly. What matters most is the overall pattern and your personal risk profile.
  • Lifestyle still matters: Balanced nutrition, regular activity, sleep, and not smoking are powerful levers. Medications, if prescribed, complement—not replace—these basics.
  • Units & targets differ: Countries and guidelines vary (mg/dL vs mmol/L, different risk bands). This tool keeps the language gentle and avoids “good/bad” labels; use it to prepare for a constructive conversation.

This calculator is educational and not a diagnosis. If your ratios look higher than expected—or you have personal risk factors—consider discussing results with a clinician who knows your history.

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