Estimate total lipids in blood to assess cardiovascular risk, metabolic health, and nutritional status.
Total lipids represent the sum of cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids in the blood. This measurement helps evaluate lipid metabolism disorders, such as hyperlipidemia or malnutrition.
The Total Lipids Calculator estimates the combined concentration of cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids in blood. Choose from three formulas to evaluate metabolic health, cardiovascular risk, or nutritional status.
Formulas:
1. Standard Formula (Direct Measurement)
Total Lipids (mg/dL) = Total Cholesterol + Triglycerides + Phospholipids
Use this if phospholipid levels are available.
2. Estimated Formula (Triglyceride-Based)
Total Lipids = Total Cholesterol + (1.2 x Triglycerides)
Assumes phospholipids ≈ 20% of triglycerides.
3. Quick Estimation (Fixed Phospholipid Assumption)
Total Lipids = Total Cholesterol + Triglycerides + 200
Assumes an average phospholipid level of 200 mg/dL.
🧮 Total Lipids Calculator
📐 Formula:
- Standard Formula (Direct Measurement): Total Lipids = Cholesterol + Triglycerides + Phospholipids
- Estimated Formula (Triglyceride-Based): Total Lipids ≈ Cholesterol + (1.2 × Triglycerides) (Assumes phospholipids ≈ 20% of TG)
- Quick Estimation (Fixed Phospholipid): Total Lipids = Cholesterol + Triglycerides + 200 (Assumes fixed phospholipid level)
How to Use the Calculator
- Input Values:
- Total Cholesterol (mg/dL).
- Triglycerides (mg/dL).
- Phospholipids (if available).
- Choose Formula:
- Use Standard Formula if phospholipids are measured.
- Use Estimated Formula for a triglyceride-based estimate.
- Use Quick Estimation for a rapid approximation.
Example Calculations
- Total Cholesterol = 180 mg/dL
- Triglycerides = 150 mg/dL
- Phospholipids = 250 mg/dL
Standard Formula (Direct Measurement):
Total Lipids (mg/dL) = Total Cholesterol + Triglycerides + Phospholipids
Total Lipids (mg/dL) = 180 + 150 + 250 = 580mg/dL
Estimated Formula (Triglyceride-Based):
Total Lipids (mg/dL) = Total Cholesterol + (1.2 x Triglycerides)
Total Lipids (mg/dL) = 180 + (1.2 x 150) = 360mg/dL
Quick Estimation (Fixed Phospholipid):
Total Lipids (mg/dL) = Total Cholesterol + Triglycerides + 200
Total Lipids (mg/dL) = 180 + 150 + 200 = 530mg/dL
Normal Ranges
| Group | Total Lipids (mg/dL) |
|---|---|
| Adults | 350–700 |
| Children | 250–500 |
Clinical Interpretation
| Total Lipids | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| High (>700 mg/dL) | – Hyperlipidemia – Atherosclerosis risk – Pancreatitis |
| Low (<350 mg/dL) | – Malnutrition – Malabsorption – Liver disease |
Key Takeaways
- Formula Choice:
- Standard Formula is most accurate but requires phospholipid data.
- Estimated Formula is practical for routine lipid panels.
- Quick Estimation is a quick estimate for clinical triage.
- Phospholipid Assumptions:
- Normally 150–300 mg/dL (20–25% of total lipids).
- Fixed at 200 mg/dL in Formula 3 for simplicity.
- Unit Conversions:
- Cholesterol (mmol/L → mg/dL): Multiply by 38.67.
- Triglycerides (mmol/L → mg/dL): Multiply by 88.5.
Limitations
- Formula 2 and 3 Accuracy: Less reliable if triglycerides >400 mg/dL or phospholipids are abnormal.
- Non-Fasting Samples: Triglycerides vary post-meal; use fasting values.
