Understanding cholesterol numbers
Updated October 18, 2026
A cholesterol test, also called a lipid panel, measures fats in your blood. It is often done after fasting, though many people can have it without fasting. It has four main numbers.
The four numbers
| Test | What it is | Commonly used ranges* |
|---|---|---|
| Total cholesterol | All the cholesterol in your blood. | Under 200 mg/dL is desirable. 200 to 239 is borderline high. 240 and up is high |
| LDL | Often called the “bad” cholesterol. It can build up in blood vessels. | Under 100 is optimal. 100 to 129 near optimal. 130 to 159 borderline high. 160 to 189 high. 190 and up very high |
| HDL | Often called the “good” cholesterol. It helps clear cholesterol away. | 40 or more for men and 50 or more for women is considered better. 60 or more is protective |
| Triglycerides | Another fat in the blood, affected by food and sugar. | Under 150 is normal. 150 to 199 borderline high. 200 to 499 high. 500 and up very high |
*Commonly used ranges. Your doctor may use different targets for you, especially if you have other health conditions. Use the range printed on your report.
What doctors look at
Doctors look at all four numbers together, along with your age, blood pressure, whether you smoke, whether you have diabetes, and your family history. A number just over the range is common. Food, activity, weight, and sometimes medicine can all move these numbers, and a repeat test in a few months is often the next step.
Questions to ask
- What is my target for LDL, given my other health factors?
- Would changes to food or activity be enough, or should we talk about medicine?
- When should we recheck?
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