Cholesterol ChartVisual Guide to Your Numbers

5 min read

Understanding your cholesterol results becomes easier with clear visual references. The charts below show where your numbers fall across different categories, from optimal to high risk. Use these guides to interpret your lipid panel results and discuss them more effectively with your healthcare provider.

Total Cholesterol Chart

Total cholesterol provides a quick overview but doesn't tell the whole story. Two people with the same total cholesterol can have very different risk profiles depending on their LDL, HDL, and triglyceride breakdown.

Total cholesterol level categories
Total Cholesterol (mg/dL) Category Interpretation
Less than 200 Desirable Healthy range for most adults
200-239 Borderline High Elevated risk; lifestyle changes recommended
240 and above High Significantly increased risk; treatment likely needed

LDL Cholesterol Chart

LDL is the primary target for cardiovascular risk reduction. Your optimal LDL depends on your overall risk factors—people with existing heart disease or diabetes need lower targets. If your LDL is elevated, explore how to lower cholesterol through proven strategies.

LDL cholesterol level categories
LDL Cholesterol (mg/dL) Category Who This Level Is Appropriate For
Less than 70 Optimal for High Risk Target for people with heart disease, diabetes, or very high risk
Less than 100 Optimal Ideal for most adults
100-129 Near Optimal Acceptable for people without risk factors
130-159 Borderline High Lifestyle changes recommended
160-189 High Treatment usually recommended
190 and above Very High Aggressive treatment needed; possible genetic cause

HDL Cholesterol Chart

Unlike other cholesterol measures, higher HDL is better. HDL particles remove cholesterol from arteries, providing cardiovascular protection. Women naturally have higher HDL than men. Learn how to raise your HDL naturally.

HDL cholesterol level categories
HDL Cholesterol Men Women Risk Level
Low Less than 40 mg/dL Less than 50 mg/dL Major risk factor for heart disease
Acceptable 40-59 mg/dL 50-59 mg/dL Average risk
Optimal 60+ mg/dL 60+ mg/dL Protective against heart disease

Triglycerides Chart

Triglycerides respond strongly to diet, particularly sugar and alcohol intake. Very high levels not only increase heart disease risk but can cause dangerous inflammation of the pancreas.

Triglyceride level categories
Triglycerides (mg/dL) Category Action Recommended
Less than 100 Optimal Maintain healthy lifestyle
100-149 Normal Healthy range; continue good habits
150-199 Borderline High Reduce sugar, alcohol, refined carbs
200-499 High Aggressive lifestyle changes; medication may be needed
500 and above Very High Risk of pancreatitis; immediate treatment required

Cholesterol Levels by Age

Cholesterol naturally changes throughout life. The following chart shows typical ranges by age group, though individual variation is significant. See our normal cholesterol levels guide for more detail, or learn about cholesterol in children.

Children and Adolescents (Ages 2-19)

Cholesterol levels for children and adolescents
Measurement Acceptable Borderline High
Total Cholesterol Less than 170 170-199 200+
LDL Cholesterol Less than 110 110-129 130+
HDL Cholesterol 45+ 40-45 Less than 40
Triglycerides (0-9 years) Less than 75 75-99 100+
Triglycerides (10-19 years) Less than 90 90-129 130+

Adults (Ages 20+)

Adult cholesterol levels by measurement type
Measurement Optimal Borderline High
Total Cholesterol Less than 200 200-239 240+
LDL Cholesterol Less than 100 130-159 160+
HDL (Men) 60+ 40-59 Less than 40
HDL (Women) 60+ 50-59 Less than 50
Triglycerides Less than 150 150-199 200+

Important Cholesterol Ratios

Ratios between different cholesterol components can provide additional insight into cardiovascular risk. Learn more in our cholesterol ratios guide, or use the cardiovascular risk calculator for a personalized assessment.

Cholesterol ratio interpretations
Ratio Calculation Optimal Desirable High Risk
Total/HDL Ratio Total ÷ HDL Below 3.5 Below 5 Above 5
LDL/HDL Ratio LDL ÷ HDL Below 2 Below 3.5 Above 3.5
Triglyceride/HDL Ratio Triglycerides ÷ HDL Below 2 Below 4 Above 4

Non-HDL Cholesterol Chart

Non-HDL cholesterol (total cholesterol minus HDL) captures all potentially harmful cholesterol. Some experts consider this a better predictor than LDL alone.

Non-HDL cholesterol level categories
Non-HDL Cholesterol (mg/dL) Category
Less than 130 Optimal
130-159 Near Optimal
160-189 Borderline High
190-219 High
220 and above Very High
Using These Charts: These charts provide general guidelines based on major medical organizations' recommendations. Your optimal targets may differ based on your individual risk factors, medical history, and other health conditions. Learn about getting a cholesterol test and always discuss your specific results with your healthcare provider. If your results are high, see our guide on how to lower cholesterol through diet, exercise, and medication options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which number is most important on my cholesterol test?

LDL cholesterol is typically the primary focus because it's the most modifiable risk factor and the main target for treatment. However, all components matter, and low HDL or high triglycerides also increase risk even when LDL is normal.

Do these targets change as I get older?

The general targets remain similar across adult age groups. However, treatment decisions become more nuanced with age, considering life expectancy, other health conditions, and medication side effects. Your doctor may adjust targets based on your individual situation.

Why are there different HDL targets for men and women?

Women naturally have higher HDL levels than men due to hormonal differences. Estrogen raises HDL, which is why premenopausal women typically have higher levels and lower heart disease risk than men of the same age.

What if only one number is off?

Any abnormal result warrants attention, though the approach depends on which value is affected. Isolated high LDL is treated most aggressively. Isolated low HDL or high triglycerides often improve with lifestyle changes. Your doctor will consider your complete risk profile.