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LDL Friedewald calculator online: cholesterol calculation for lipid panel

LDL by Friedewald: LDL = TC – HDL – TG/2.2 (mmol/L) or TG/5 (mg/dL). Used in cardiology and primary care for cardiovascular risk stratification when direct LDL is unavailable.

Unit system

mmol/L
mmol/L
mmol/L

About this calculator

The Friedewald formula (1972) is an indirect method for LDL cholesterol calculation from a standard lipid panel when direct immunoassay or ultracentrifugation is unavailable. Calculation: LDL = total cholesterol – HDL – triglycerides/2.2 (in mmol/L) or /5 (in mg/dL). Used in cardiology, primary care, and endocrinology for cardiovascular risk stratification and statin therapy decisions. The formula is invalid at triglycerides >4.5 mmol/L (400 mg/dL), in chylomicronemia, type III dysbetalipoproteinemia, LCAT deficiency, and within 8 hours of a fatty meal – LDL is underestimated and direct measurement is required. ESC 2019 LDL targets: <1.4 mmol/L in very high risk (secondary prevention, diabetes with organ damage, eGFR <30), <1.8 in high, <2.6 in moderate, <3.0 in low risk. At triglycerides 1.7–4.5 mmol/L, the Martin-Hopkins and Sampson equations are more accurate alternatives.

Source

Friedewald WT, Levy RI, Fredrickson DS. Estimation of the concentration of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in plasma without use of the preparative ultracentrifuge. Clin Chem. 1972;18(6):499-502.

Formula version: friedewald-1972-v1

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