HDL cholesterol mg/dL → mmol/L
Convert hdl cholesterol from mg/dL to mmol/L
Sources last checked: 2026-11-03
HDL cholesterol mg/dL → mmol/L
Convert hdl cholesterol from mg/dL to mmol/L
Converts units only; reference ranges depend on the laboratory, the assay and the patient.
What is the HDL cholesterol mg/dL → mmol/L?
HDL cholesterol is reported in mg/dL by most labs in Germany, Austria, Turkey and the USA and in mmol/L in the UK, Scandinavia, the Netherlands and many other countries. This converter multiplies by 0.0259 — the same cholesterol factor as for total and LDL cholesterol (AMA Manual of Style), because HDL-C is the mass of cholesterol carried in HDL particles (molar mass 386.7 g/mol).
When to use it
- Entering HDL into a risk score or table written in mmol/L
- Computing non-HDL cholesterol or a cholesterol/HDL ratio when inputs come in different units
- Comparing lipid panels from different countries
When not to use it
- Apolipoprotein A-I, which is a protein measurement in g/L
- Judging cardiovascular risk from HDL alone; reference limits are sex- and lab-dependent
How it is calculated
HDL-C (mmol/L) = HDL-C (mg/dL) × 0.0259
Clinical pearls and limitations
- Converts units only; reference ranges depend on the laboratory, the assay and the patient.
- Because HDL values are small, two decimals in mmol/L are needed to keep the precision of a whole-number mg/dL value.
- The total cholesterol/HDL ratio is unit-free — it is the same whether calculated in mg/dL or mmol/L, as long as both inputs share a unit.
- Non-HDL cholesterol (total minus HDL) uses the same factor.
- Some risk tools accept either unit; check the unit selector before entering the value.
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert HDL from mg/dL to mmol/L?
Multiply by 0.0259. For example, 40 mg/dL × 0.0259 = 1.036, about 1.04 mmol/L.
What is 60 mg/dL HDL in mmol/L?
60 × 0.0259 = 1.554, about 1.55 mmol/L.
Is the HDL factor the same as the LDL factor?
Yes. All cholesterol fractions are reported as cholesterol mass and share the factor 0.0259.
Evidence and guidelines
Have a follow-up question?
Medelix answers clinical questions from current guidelines and studies — every statement with its source.
Related calculators
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- LDL cholesterol (Friedewald)Calculated LDL-C in mmol/L, read against ESC/EAS 2019 targets
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<p><a href="https://medelix.ai/en/calculators/hdl-cholesterol-mg-dl-to-mmol-l">HDL cholesterol mg/dL → mmol/L calculator by Medelix</a></p>For healthcare professionals and medical students. These tools support, and do not replace, clinical judgement. Always check results against the original source and your local protocols.