LDL/HDL Ratio levels: what's normal, high and low
A simple ratio combining LDL and HDL into one risk number. Lower is generally better.
Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD · Last reviewed September 2026
The short answer
LDL/HDL Ratio is measured with a standard blood draw after an 8–12 hour fast. A typical reference range is 0.000 – 3.50 ratio. At TestWell it's $24.99 all-in as Lipid Panel with LDL/HDL Ratio, 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
- ratio
- Sample
- Blood draw
- Fasting
- 8–12 hours
- Results
- 1–3 business days
- Price
- $24.99
- Labs
- Quest or Labcorp
LDL/HDL Ratio 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 – 3.50 ratio |
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.
Have a result in hand? analyze it with your AI assistant using these reviewed ranges, or run it through our explainer. Tools: look up another marker's range · convert lab units
What your LDL/HDL Ratio result may mean
Above 3.5 suggests elevated cardiovascular risk; below 2.0 is considered ideal.
What a high LDL/HDL Ratio 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.
What does a high LDL/HDL Ratio mean?
An LDL/HDL ratio above 3.5 means 'bad' cholesterol outweighs 'good' by a margin associated with higher cardiovascular risk. It rises with high LDL (diet, genetics, hypothyroidism) or low HDL (insulin resistance, smoking, inactivity). The ratio is a shorthand; ApoB and non-HDL cholesterol are the numbers guidelines act on.
Common causes of a high LDL/HDL Ratio
- High LDL: saturated-fat-heavy diet, familial hypercholesterolemia, hypothyroidism, nephrotic syndrome
- Low HDL: insulin resistance, smoking, inactivity, high triglycerides
- Anabolic steroids, some medications
Ordered from most to least common.
Symptoms that can go with it
- None
What clinicians usually check next
- ApoB and Lp(a) once; A1c, TSH
- Blood pressure and smoking status for a 10-year risk estimate
- Repeat lipids 6–12 weeks after diet or medication changes
Follow-up tests at TestWell: TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) ($26.99), TSH + Free T4 ($27.99).
What is a good LDL/HDL ratio?
Under 3.5 is the conventional cutoff; under 2.5 is often quoted as optimal. Guidelines now prefer ApoB or non-HDL targets over ratios because a ratio can look fine while both numbers are wrong.
Educational only — not a diagnosis. A single result outside the range is a prompt to look closer with a clinician.
How do you get a LDL/HDL Ratio test?
Order online, a licensed physician reviews the requisition, and you walk into a nearby lab for the draw. LDL/HDL Ratio 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 with LDL/HDL Ratio | This marker only | $24.99 |
Quest vs. Labcorp for LDL/HDL Ratio: 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) | No | — |
Need help choosing a location? Use the lab finder to see draw sites near your ZIP.
Related Heart Health biomarkers
Markers commonly tested alongside LDL/HDL Ratio.
Frequently asked
What does a high LDL/HDL Ratio mean?
An LDL/HDL ratio above 3.5 means 'bad' cholesterol outweighs 'good' by a margin associated with higher cardiovascular risk. It rises with high LDL (diet, genetics, hypothyroidism) or low HDL (insulin resistance, smoking, inactivity). The ratio is a shorthand; ApoB and non-HDL cholesterol are the numbers guidelines act on.
What is a good LDL/HDL ratio?
Under 3.5 is the conventional cutoff; under 2.5 is often quoted as optimal. Guidelines now prefer ApoB or non-HDL targets over ratios because a ratio can look fine while both numbers are wrong.
Do I need a doctor's order to test my ldl/hdl ratio?
No. TestWell's licensed physician network reviews and approves your order — usually within minutes. You can place an order online without an in-person visit or a referral from your own doctor.
How long does it take to get LDL/HDL Ratio results?
Most LDL/HDL Ratio results are available in 1–3 business days after your specimen arrives at the lab. You'll get an email the moment your results are ready, with everything viewable in your TestWell portal.
How much does a LDL/HDL Ratio test cost?
Our Lipid Panel with LDL/HDL Ratio starts at $24.99. That's the all-in price — no copays, no insurance hoops, no surprise bills. HSA and FSA cards are accepted.
Do I need to fast before my LDL/HDL Ratio test?
Yes — for the most accurate result, fast for 8–12 hours before your blood draw. Water is fine; coffee, food, and supplements are not. Your prep instructions will be included with your order.
Which lab will process my LDL/HDL Ratio test?
Your test will be processed by Quest Diagnostics, Labcorp, or BioReference depending on which is closest to you and which lab carries the test. All three are CLIA-certified and trusted by hospitals nationwide. You'll choose your lab during checkout from 4,000+ locations.
Ready to test your ldl/hdl ratio?
Order in two minutes, get physician-approved, and visit a lab the same day. Starts at $24.99.