HDL Cholesterol Unit Converter (mg/dL ↔ mmol/L)
Convert HDL cholesterol between mg/dL and mmol/L in either direction. Enter a value and the result updates instantly. This page performs unit conversion and cites where the factor and the reference intervals come from; it does not interpret your value.
The HDL conversion factor and where it comes from
HDL ("high-density lipoprotein") cholesterol is one of the lipid fractions reported on a standard lipid panel. HDL cholesterol is reported in mg/dL on U.S. lab reports and in mmol/L on UK, Canadian, Australian, and most European reports.
The standard conversion factor for HDL cholesterol is 0.02586, applied as mg/dL × 0.02586 = mmol/L (and mmol/L ÷ 0.02586 = mg/dL in reverse). The 0.02586 factor is shared by HDL, LDL, VLDL, and total cholesterol because all four are reported as the mass of the same cholesterol molecule (molecular weight 386.65 g/mol). Source: AMA Manual of Style / UK Kidney Association SI conversion table.
Published reference intervals
The intervals below are reproduced from U.S. National Library of Medicine, MedlinePlus: HDL cholesterol. They are listed here for unit reference only. Whether any value is in range for you depends on your laboratory's own reference range and your clinical context, so read them alongside your report and your healthcare provider, not in place of either.
| Category | mg/dL | mmol/L |
|---|---|---|
| Reference: men | 40 mg/dL and above | 1.04 mmol/L and above |
| Reference: women | 50 mg/dL and above | 1.29 mmol/L and above |
MedlinePlus lists these as the values above which HDL is generally considered protective; they are reference points published by the source, not a diagnosis.
Pre-computed HDL conversions
Dedicated answer pages for the HDL values people search for most. Each shows the answer, the math, and a table of nearby values.
mg/dL to mmol/L
Common questions
How do I convert HDL cholesterol from mg/dL to mmol/L?
Multiply by 0.02586: mg/dL × 0.02586 = mmol/L. To go the other way, divide by 0.02586 (or multiply by 38.67).
What is the HDL cholesterol conversion factor?
0.02586. The 0.02586 factor is shared by HDL, LDL, VLDL, and total cholesterol because all four are reported as the mass of the same cholesterol molecule (molecular weight 386.65 g/mol).
Where is mg/dL used and where is mmol/L used?
HDL cholesterol is reported in mg/dL on U.S. lab reports and in mmol/L on UK, Canadian, Australian, and most European reports.
Related converters and reference
- Full blood test unit converter: 60+ biomarkers, any value, either direction.
- nmol/L to mg/dL by substance: the molar-to-mass conversion depends on which substance you measured.
- HbA1c to average glucose (eAG) converter.
Track HDL cholesterol over time, in either unit system
Health3 imports lab values, converts units automatically, and charts the trend. Free.