LDL Cholesterol levels: what's normal, high and low
The "bad" cholesterol that contributes to plaque in arteries. Lower is generally better.
Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD · Last reviewed September 2026
The short answer
LDL Cholesterol is measured with a standard blood draw after an 8–12 hour fast. A typical reference range is 0.000 – 100 mg/dL. 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
LDL 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 |
|---|---|
| age 18+ | 0.000 – 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 LDL Cholesterol result may mean
Above 100 mg/dL is considered above optimal; targets vary by individual cardiovascular risk.
What a high LDL 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 LDL Cholesterol test?
Order online, a licensed physician reviews the requisition, and you walk into a nearby lab for the draw. LDL 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 LDL 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.
How often should you retest LDL Cholesterol?
After starting or changing a statin or other LDL-lowering treatment, the 2018 AHA/ACC cholesterol guideline calls for a repeat lipid panel 4–12 weeks later to confirm the response, then every 3–12 months once stable. Adults not on treatment are typically re-screened every 4–6 years, sooner with risk factors or a borderline result.
General guidance from the sources listed below — your clinician may set a different schedule based on your history and results.
Related Heart Health biomarkers
Markers commonly tested alongside LDL Cholesterol.
Frequently asked
Above 100 mg/dL is considered above optimal; targets vary by individual cardiovascular risk. A single result above 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 ldl cholesterol?
Order in two minutes, get physician-approved, and visit a lab the same day. Starts at $24.99.