Cholesterol unit converter
Cholesterol mmol/L To mg/dL Converter
Convert total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol or HDL cholesterol from mmol/L to mg/dL using the cholesterol factor 38.67.
Convert Cholesterol Units
mg/dL Result
The cholesterol factor is 38.67 mg/dL per 1 mmol/L.
This converter changes units only. It cannot assess cardiovascular risk, treatment need, target ranges or whether a result is safe.
Direct Answer For Cholesterol
To convert cholesterol from mmol/L to mg/dL, multiply by 38.67. A result of 5.0 mmol/L is about 193 mg/dL. A result of 4.0 mmol/L is about 155 mg/dL. The same factor is commonly used for total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol because those results are expressed as cholesterol concentration.
This page is only for unit conversion. Cholesterol interpretation depends on the type of cholesterol result, the person’s wider risk factors, age, medical history, blood pressure, smoking status, diabetes, kidney disease, medicines and the reason for testing. NHS and clinical guidance should be used for health decisions, not a unit converter.
Conversion Formula And Method
mg/dL = mmol/L x 38.67
mmol/L = mg/dL / 38.67
5.0 mmol/L x 38.67 = 193.35 mg/dL
The factor is based on the molecular mass used for cholesterol unit conversion and the litre-to-decilitre relationship. The result is rounded to one decimal place in the calculator and to whole mg/dL in some table values. If a report prints more or fewer decimal places, follow the report style when recording the converted value.
Cholesterol mmol/L To mg/dL Table
| mmol/L | mg/dL | Reverse check |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5 mmol/L | 96.7 mg/dL | 96.7 mg/dL / 38.67 = 2.5 mmol/L |
| 3.0 mmol/L | 116.0 mg/dL | 116.0 mg/dL / 38.67 = 3.0 mmol/L |
| 3.5 mmol/L | 135.3 mg/dL | 135.3 mg/dL / 38.67 = 3.5 mmol/L |
| 4.0 mmol/L | 154.7 mg/dL | 154.7 mg/dL / 38.67 = 4.0 mmol/L |
| 5.0 mmol/L | 193.4 mg/dL | 193.4 mg/dL / 38.67 = 5.0 mmol/L |
| 6.0 mmol/L | 232.0 mg/dL | 232.0 mg/dL / 38.67 = 6.0 mmol/L |
| 7.0 mmol/L | 270.7 mg/dL | 270.7 mg/dL / 38.67 = 7.0 mmol/L |
| 8.0 mmol/L | 309.4 mg/dL | 309.4 mg/dL / 38.67 = 8.0 mmol/L |
Do Not Use This For Triglycerides
Triglycerides use a different factor. A common triglyceride conversion is mg/dL = mmol/L x 88.57. That is not interchangeable with the cholesterol factor. If a lipid report includes total cholesterol, HDL, LDL and triglycerides, check which line you are converting before copying values into a US-style calculator or article.
| Test line | Use this page? | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Total cholesterol | Yes | Uses cholesterol conversion factor 38.67. |
| LDL cholesterol | Yes | Reported as cholesterol concentration. |
| HDL cholesterol | Yes | Reported as cholesterol concentration. |
| Non-HDL cholesterol | Usually yes | It is cholesterol-based, but use the lab report context. |
| Triglycerides | No | Requires a different molecular factor. |
UK And US Reporting Notes
UK lipid results are commonly reported in mmol/L. Many US resources use mg/dL. The units can make two identical results look very different, so conversion is useful when reading research, patient leaflets, international articles or a health app set to another unit system. The converted value should always be labelled with its unit to avoid confusion.
The reverse conversion is just as important when a US source gives a target, example or study value in mg/dL. Divide the mg/dL number by 38.67 to return to mmol/L, then compare only with material that uses the same cholesterol type. A total cholesterol example should not be read as an LDL example, even after the units have been changed.
Reading A Lipid Report Line By Line
A lipid report can include several lines with similar wording. Total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and non-HDL cholesterol are cholesterol-based values, so the 38.67 factor is the right unit change for those lines. Triglycerides are not converted with the same factor. Some reports also include cholesterol ratio, which is already a ratio and should not be converted into mg/dL.
If you are copying values into a US article, spreadsheet or app, enter each result separately and keep the original report nearby. Do not convert a ratio, do not convert the reference interval without checking its unit, and do not mix a total cholesterol result with an LDL field. If an app asks for fasting status, medication or risk details, those are interpretation inputs and sit outside this converter.
Common Entry Mistakes
| Mistake | Why It Matters | Better Check |
|---|---|---|
| Entering triglycerides here | The molecular conversion factor differs. | Use a triglyceride-specific converter. |
| Converting a cholesterol ratio | A ratio has no mmol/L or mg/dL unit. | Leave the ratio as printed. |
| Rounding before conversion | Rounding early can shift the mg/dL value. | Convert first, then round for display. |
| Dropping the unit label | 5.0 and 193.4 mean the same only with units attached. | Write “5.0 mmol/L” or “193.4 mg/dL”. |
| Comparing with another lab range | Reports can use different methods and policies. | Use the interval printed with your own result. |
Medical Boundary
Do not use this page to decide whether to start, stop or change treatment. Cholesterol risk assessment often uses more than one lab value and may include QRISK or other clinical tools, family history and existing conditions. If your result is flagged or you are worried, contact the clinician who arranged the test.
FAQs
How do I convert cholesterol mmol/L to mg/dL?
Multiply mmol/L by 38.67. For example, 5.0 mmol/L is 193.35 mg/dL.
Can I use this for LDL and HDL cholesterol?
Yes, the same cholesterol factor is commonly used for total cholesterol, LDL-C and HDL-C.
Can I use this for triglycerides?
No. Triglycerides use a different factor, commonly 88.57. Do not use this cholesterol converter for triglycerides.
Does the converted value tell me my risk?
No. It only changes units. Cardiovascular risk needs clinical context and the guidance used by your health service.
Why is my app using mg/dL?
Some apps and US resources use mg/dL by default. UK lab reports commonly use mmol/L, so check app settings and labels carefully.
Sources
- Lab Tests Online UK. (2026). Cholesterol. https://labtestsonline.org.uk/tests/cholesterol
- NHS. (2026). High cholesterol. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/high-cholesterol/
- Bureau International des Poids et Mesures. (2026). The International System of Units (SI Brochure). https://www.bipm.org/en/publications/si-brochure/
- National Institute of Standards and Technology. (2008). Guide for the Use of the International System of Units (SI), Special Publication 811. https://www.nist.gov/pml/special-publication-811