HDL Cholesterol mmol/L to mg/dL: Complete Conversion Guide

Quick Answer

To convert HDL cholesterol from mmol/L to mg/dL, multiply by 38.67.

mmol/L	mg/dL	Common Interpretation
1.0	39	Low HDL threshold
1.2	46	Often acceptable, context matters
1.3	50	Common minimum reference for women
1.6	62	High/protective range
2.0	77	High HDL

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HDL Cholesterol Converter

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Key Takeaways

Summary:

Point	Fact
Conversion factor	1 mmol/L = 38.67 mg/dL
Reverse formula	mg/dL ÷ 38.67 = mmol/L
Low HDL reference	Below 40 mg/dL, about below 1.0 mmol/L
High HDL reference	60 mg/dL or higher, about 1.6 mmol/L or higher
Interpretation	HDL is interpreted together with LDL, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and risk factors

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HDL Conversion Formula

HDL cholesterol uses the same conversion factor as total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol:

Direction	Formula
mmol/L to mg/dL	mmol/L × 38.67
mg/dL to mmol/L	mg/dL ÷ 38.67

Examples:

HDL mmol/L	Calculation	HDL mg/dL
1.0	1.0 × 38.67	39
1.3	1.3 × 38.67	50
1.6	1.6 × 38.67	62

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HDL mmol/L to mg/dL

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HDL Cholesterol Categories

HDL is often called "good" cholesterol because it helps carry cholesterol away from arteries and back to the liver. Range labels vary by source and patient context, but the following cutoffs are commonly used.

Category	mg/dL	mmol/L
Low HDL	< 40	< 1.0
Common minimum for women	< 50	< 1.3
High HDL	≥ 60	≥ 1.6

For HDL, the concern is usually a low value. LDL and triglycerides are interpreted differently.

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HDL vs. LDL vs. Triglycerides

This table is a simplification for unit interpretation. Cardiovascular risk depends on the full lipid panel and clinical context.

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HDL and Cholesterol Ratio

Some reports include total cholesterol to HDL ratio. The ratio uses the same unit in both parts, so it does not matter whether the values are both in mg/dL or both in mmol/L.

Example	Ratio
Total cholesterol 200 mg/dL, HDL 50 mg/dL	4.0
Total cholesterol 5.2 mmol/L, HDL 1.3 mmol/L	4.0

Do not mix units in the same ratio calculation.

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FAQ

What is the HDL mmol/L to mg/dL formula?

Use mg/dL = mmol/L × 38.67.

For example, 1.6 mmol/L × 38.67 = 61.9 mg/dL, usually rounded to 62 mg/dL.

Is HDL 1.0 mmol/L low?

1.0 mmol/L is about 39 mg/dL. That is around the common low HDL threshold.

What is HDL 1.3 mmol/L in mg/dL?

1.3 mmol/L equals 50.3 mg/dL, usually rounded to 50 mg/dL.

What is HDL 1.6 mmol/L in mg/dL?

1.6 mmol/L equals 61.9 mg/dL, usually rounded to 62 mg/dL.

Does HDL use the same conversion factor as LDL?

Yes. HDL, LDL, and total cholesterol use the cholesterol conversion factor of 38.67.

Is high HDL always good?

This page does not make individual risk conclusions. HDL is interpreted together with LDL, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and other clinical factors.

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Related Resources

• Cholesterol mmol/L to mg/dL - Complete cholesterol conversion guide
• Cholesterol mg/dL to mmol/L - Reverse cholesterol conversion
• LDL Cholesterol mmol/L to mg/dL - LDL-specific conversion and ranges
• Triglycerides mmol/L to mg/dL - Triglycerides conversion guide

References

1. Mayo Clinic. Cholesterol test
2. American Heart Association. HDL, LDL Cholesterol and Triglycerides
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About Cholesterol
4. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Blood Cholesterol

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