How do I calculate the non-HDL/cholesterol ratio?

Subtract HDL from total cholesterol to get non-HDL, then divide by total cholesterol. For example, total cholesterol of 200 and HDL of 60 gives non-HDL of 140 and a ratio of 0.70.

What does a high non-HDL/cholesterol ratio mean?

A ratio above 0.7 means most of your cholesterol is the harmful, atherogenic kind rather than protective HDL. It is associated with elevated cardiovascular risk and frequently appears alongside metabolic syndrome, high triglycerides, and insulin resistance.

What is a normal non-HDL/cholesterol ratio?

Below 0.7 is generally considered optimal. Higher ratios mean most of your total cholesterol consists of atherogenic particles (LDL, VLDL, IDL, Lp(a)). The ratio is broader than LDL/cholesterol because it captures every particle that can build plaque, not just LDL.

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Non-HDL/Cholesterol Ratio

Normal range: 0 – 0.7 (lower is better)

The non-HDL/cholesterol ratio shows what fraction of your total cholesterol consists of potentially harmful particles. It is broader than the LDL/cholesterol ratio because it includes VLDL and other atherogenic lipoproteins beyond just LDL. This makes it particularly useful for people with elevated triglycerides or metabolic syndrome.

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How much does a Non-HDL/Chol test cost?

Non-HDL/Chol is calculated rather than ordered on its own, so it comes with a standard lipid panel (about $45). A fuller workup adds Vitamin D ($75), hs-CRP ($69), ApoB ($50), and ApoA1 ($50). You can test Non-HDL/Chol and 100 other biomarkers for $190 as part of an Empirical membership.

Empirical is FSA/HSA eligible, so you can pay with pre-tax dollars. Fast for 8-12 hours beforehand for the most accurate lipid and metabolic results, and expect results in days rather than weeks.

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How does Non-HDL/Cholesterol Ratio change with age?

Non-HDL/Cholesterol Ratio stays relatively flat across adult ages (correlation with age, r = +0.02). Most of the spread in the chart below comes from differences between people rather than from age.

Non-HDL/Cholesterol Ratio is stable with age, chart with median and linear trend

What can cause high Non-HDL/Chol?

A normal Non-HDL/Chol is 0 – 0.7. Lower is better.

A high non-HDL/cholesterol ratio reflects too much atherogenic cholesterol relative to the total. Elevated triglycerides push this ratio up even when LDL is normal, which is why it is especially informative in people with metabolic syndrome or diabetes.

Reducing saturated fat, cutting refined carbs and sugar, exercising regularly, and losing excess weight improve this ratio. Statins and fibrates both help when lifestyle changes are not sufficient.

Biomarkers related to Non-HDL/Chol

Non-HDL/Chol is most highly correlated with Atherogenic Index of Plasma and Estimated VLDL. Here are the top biomarkers correlated with Non-HDL/Chol, based on 500,000 tests done by Empirical Health.

The percentage shows how strongly two biomarkers move together. A higher number means the relationship is stronger. Green = rises and falls together. Orange = one rises as the other falls.

Frequently asked questions about Non-HDL/Chol

Where to get a Non-HDL/Chol test near you

Non-HDL/Chol is drawn at 2,200+ Quest and BioReference patient service centers across the US, so there's usually one within a short drive. Browse the full directory to find the one closest to you.

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