HDL Cholesterol levels: what's normal, high and low
The "good" cholesterol — helps remove excess cholesterol from arteries. Higher is generally better.
Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD · Last reviewed September 2026
The short answer
HDL Cholesterol is measured with a standard blood draw after an 8–12 hour fast. A typical reference range is 40.0 – 100 mg/dL (male, age 18+; more bands below). At TestWell it's $24.99 all-in as Lipid Panel, results in 1–3 business days, drawn at Quest or Labcorp. An out-of-range result is a prompt to look closer, not a diagnosis.
- Units
- mg/dL
- Sample
- Blood draw
- Fasting
- 8–12 hours
- Results
- 1–3 business days
- Price
- $24.99
- Labs
- Quest or Labcorp · BioReference in NY/NJ
HDL Cholesterol Reference Range
These are the typical adult reference ranges used by major US labs. Your report will include the specific range used by the lab that processed your sample.
| Population | Range |
|---|---|
| Male, age 18+ | 40.0 – 100 mg/dL |
| Female, age 18+ | 50.0 – 100 mg/dL |
Reference ranges are educational. Always interpret your result with the specific range printed on your lab report and discuss anything outside the range with a clinician.
What your HDL Cholesterol result may mean
Low HDL is associated with higher cardiovascular risk. Exercise, dietary fat quality, and smoking all influence HDL.
What a low HDL Cholesterol means: causes, symptoms, next steps →Educational only — not a diagnosis. Many factors can influence a single result. Discuss anything that concerns you with a healthcare provider.
How do you get a HDL Cholesterol test?
Order online, a licensed physician reviews the requisition, and you walk into a nearby lab for the draw. HDL Cholesterol is available on its own or inside these panels — panels cost less per marker when you want the fuller picture.
| Option | Includes | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Lipid Panel | This marker only | $24.99 |
| General Wellness Panel | 4 tests | $89.99 |
| Pre-Diabetes Panel | 5 tests | $89.99 |
| Fatty Liver Panel | 6 tests | $92.99 |
| Heart Health Panel | 5 tests | $99.99 |
Quest vs. Labcorp for HDL Cholesterol: which lab should you pick?
Both are CLIA-certified national labs and the result is clinically equivalent, so pick whichever location is closer. Your report will print that lab's own reference range, which can differ slightly from the table above.
| Lab | Available | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Quest Diagnostics | Yes | $24.99 |
| Labcorp | Yes | $24.99 |
| BioReference (NY & NJ) | Yes | $27.99 |
Need help choosing a location? Use the lab finder to see draw sites near your ZIP.
Related Heart Health biomarkers
Markers commonly tested alongside HDL Cholesterol.
Frequently asked
Low HDL is associated with higher cardiovascular risk. Exercise, dietary fat quality, and smoking all influence HDL. A single result below the reference range is a prompt to look closer with a clinician — often a repeat test and related markers — not a diagnosis on its own.
Ready to test your hdl cholesterol?
Order in two minutes, get physician-approved, and visit a lab the same day. Starts at $24.99.