Non-HDL cholesterol
Total cholesterol minus HDL cholesterol, calculated from the lipid panel
Also known as
Definition
Non-HDL cholesterol is not measured on its own but calculated from the lipid panel: total cholesterol minus HDL cholesterol. It therefore includes the cholesterol carried in LDL and in other lipoproteins apart from HDL, such as VLDL, which can contribute to plaque buildup in the arteries. Your lipid panel may report it alongside total, LDL and HDL cholesterol.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Unit | mg/dl (mmol/l) |
| Reference Range | Adults aged 20 and older: typically below 130 mg/dl (about 3.4 mmol/l); for children and teens aged 19 or younger, MedlinePlus lists below 120 mg/dl (about 3.1 mmol/l). Labs may differ; the range on your own report is what counts. Which value suits you also depends on age, family history and other risk factors, and your doctor puts it into context. |
Agree on your personal target range with your doctor.
Conversion: mg/dl × 0.02586 = mmol/l (molar mass of cholesterol 386.65 g/mol). 130 mg/dl is about 3.4 mmol/l, 120 mg/dl about 3.1 mmol/l.
↓ What a low value means
A value below the cut-off on your report falls within the range that MedlinePlus and the NHLBI describe as favorable for heart health. These sources do not describe a separate meaning for very low values. If your value is unusually low or has changed markedly, discuss it with your doctor.
↑ What a high value means
A value above the cut-off means that more cholesterol is carried in lipoproteins other than HDL, mainly in LDL. Higher cholesterol levels can be linked to an increased risk of plaque buildup in the arteries (atherosclerosis) and of coronary heart disease; narrowed or blocked arteries can lead to a heart attack or stroke. According to MedlinePlus, factors such as age, genes, a diet high in fat, excess weight, smoking and heavy drinking can be linked to higher cholesterol levels. Your doctor interprets the value in the context of your overall risk.
When to test
Non-HDL is determined with the lipid panel. As a general guide, MedlinePlus and the NHLBI list: adults aged 20 to 65 every 5 years, men aged 45 to 65 and women aged 55 to 65 every 1 to 2 years, and everyone over 65 every year; more often with risk factors such as a family history, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes or smoking. Your practice will tell you whether to fast before the lipid panel (often 8 to 12 hours).
Frequently asked questions
How is non-HDL cholesterol calculated? +
HDL cholesterol is subtracted from total cholesterol. Example: total cholesterol of 200 mg/dl and HDL cholesterol of 55 mg/dl give 145 mg/dl non-HDL cholesterol. Because the value comes from two results of the lipid panel, no extra blood sample is needed.
How does non-HDL cholesterol differ from LDL cholesterol? +
LDL cholesterol is part of non-HDL cholesterol. Non-HDL also includes the cholesterol in other lipoproteins such as VLDL. VLDL mainly carries triglycerides and can also contribute to plaque buildup in the arteries; routine tests usually do not measure it separately because it is difficult to measure.
Do I need to fast for the test? +
For calculating non-HDL, the NHLBI lists a fasting or non-fasting blood sample as suitable. Your practice may still ask you to fast before the full lipid panel, often for 8 to 12 hours. Follow the instructions you receive for your appointment.
Does the 130 mg/dl cut-off apply to everyone? +
No. MedlinePlus lists below 130 mg/dl for adults aged 20 and older and below 120 mg/dl for children and teens aged 19 or younger. Which value suits you can also depend on age, family history, lifestyle and other risk factors such as high triglycerides. Discuss this with your doctor.
Non-HDL cholesterol
Sources
Last updated: October 05, 2026
This information is for orientation only and does not replace medical advice. Reference ranges can vary by laboratory, method and country.