LDL (Friedewald)
- Created by
- Renato Passos, Eng. de Software
- Reviewed by
- Renato Passos, Eng. de Software
Last updated: Apr 18, 2026
Formula
Friedewald
About this calculator
The LDL (Friedewald) Calculator is a useful tool to calculate the level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in the blood. LDL is often called 'bad cholesterol' because it is the main responsible for the deposition of plaques in blood vessels, leading to heart diseases.
To calculate the LDL, we use the Friedewald formula, which is LDL = CT − HDL − TG/5, where CT is the total cholesterol, HDL is the good cholesterol and TG is the triglyceride. This formula is a simplified approach to calculate the LDL and is widely used in clinics and hospitals.
This calculator is ideal for patients who want to better understand their blood test results and discuss their treatment options with their doctor. Additionally, it is useful for healthcare professionals who need to calculate the LDL in patients with heart disease or diabetes.
Frequently asked questions
What is LDL and why is it important to calculate its level?
LDL is the type of cholesterol that can cause heart disease if its levels are too high. Calculating the LDL level helps to identify if you are at risk of developing these diseases.
What are the requirements to use this calculator?
You need to know your total cholesterol, good cholesterol (HDL) and triglyceride levels to use this calculator.
What should I do if the result of my calculator is high?
If the result is high, it is important to discuss with your doctor about the treatment options, which may include changes in diet, exercise and medications to reduce LDL levels.
Is this calculator reliable?
Yes, this calculator is based on the widely used Friedewald formula in clinics and hospitals. However, it is important to remember that the results should be discussed with a healthcare professional for a complete evaluation.