What is a good TG/HDL ratio?

Below 3 when both values are in mg/dL, which is below about 1.3 in mmol/L. Some studies use slightly different cut-offs for men (3.5) and women (2.5). Lower is generally better.

How do you calculate the TG/HDL ratio?

Divide your triglycerides by your HDL cholesterol, both from the same test and in the same unit. 150 mg/dL ÷ 50 mg/dL gives 3.0.

Why does the unit matter?

Triglycerides and HDL convert to mmol/L by different factors, so the same blood gives a ratio about 2.3 times smaller in mmol/L. A ratio of 1.3 in mmol/L is the same as 3 in mg/dL. The calculator converts for you.

How do I lower my TG/HDL ratio?

Triglycerides respond fastest: less sugar, refined carbs and alcohol, regular activity and losing some weight. HDL rises more slowly with exercise and weight loss. Retest after about three months.

TG/HDL ratio calculator and normal range

Short answer: A TG/HDL ratio below 3, worked out from values in mg/dL, is the usual target. That is about 1.3 when both values are in mmol/L. At 3 or above (1.3 in mmol/L), insulin resistance is more likely.

Free calculator

TG/HDL ratio calculator

TG/HDL ratio = triglycerides ÷ HDL cholesterol

Source: McLaughlin T, Abbasi F, Cheal K, et al. Use of metabolic markers to identify overweight individuals who are insulin resistant. Ann Intern Med 2003;139(10):802-809.

Unit

Triglycerides (TG)

mg/dL

From the same lipid test as HDL

HDL cholesterol

mg/dL

The "good" cholesterol

Your result

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A pointer, not a diagnosis. Talk to a doctor about your result, and sooner if you feel unwell.

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Triglycerides divided by HDL cholesterol: a simple pointer to insulin resistance.

Normal range

Adult reference range.

Desirable< 3 ratio
Elevated≥ 3 ratio

06 ratio

What it measures

Your triglycerides divided by your HDL cholesterol, both from a standard lipid test. The two tend to move in opposite directions when the body starts resisting insulin, so the ratio picks up that shift better than either number alone.

What moves it

Sugar, refined carbs and alcohol raise triglycerides. Belly fat, inactivity and insulin resistance raise triglycerides and lower HDL. Eating before the test raises triglycerides for a few hours.

How to bring it into range

Cutting sugar, refined carbs and alcohol, moving every day and losing some waist fat lower triglycerides within weeks. HDL rises more slowly with regular exercise.

How fast it responds

Triglycerides within weeks; HDL over months.

Also reported as: TG/HDL · triglyceride to HDL ratio · TG:HDL

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Common questions

What is a good TG/HDL ratio?: Below 3 when both values are in mg/dL, which is below about 1.3 in mmol/L. Some studies use slightly different cut-offs for men (3.5) and women (2.5). Lower is generally better.
How do you calculate the TG/HDL ratio?: Divide your triglycerides by your HDL cholesterol, both from the same test and in the same unit. 150 mg/dL ÷ 50 mg/dL gives 3.0.
Why does the unit matter?: Triglycerides and HDL convert to mmol/L by different factors, so the same blood gives a ratio about 2.3 times smaller in mmol/L. A ratio of 1.3 in mmol/L is the same as 3 in mg/dL. The calculator converts for you.
How do I lower my TG/HDL ratio?: Triglycerides respond fastest: less sugar, refined carbs and alcohol, regular activity and losing some weight. HDL rises more slowly with exercise and weight loss. Retest after about three months.

More in Lipids

Apolipoprotein B Apolipoprotein A1 HDL LDL Total Cholesterol Triglycerides VLDL Lipoprotein (a)

Reference ranges are general-population guidance compiled from common clinical laboratories, not a diagnosis. Lab-to-lab ranges differ. Always read your results with your doctor.