What is the conversion factor for triglycerides?

The standard factor is 0.01129 mmol/L per mg/dL (or equivalently, 88.574 mg/dL per mmol/L). This is derived from the molecular weight of tripalmitin, the reference triglyceride molecule.

What is a normal triglyceride level?

According to the American Heart Association, normal is below 150 mg/dL (1.70 mmol/L). Borderline high is 150–199 mg/dL (1.70–2.25 mmol/L). High is 200–499 mg/dL (2.26–5.64 mmol/L). Very high is 500 mg/dL (5.65 mmol/L) or above.

Why do some countries use mg/dL and others use mmol/L?

The US, Canada, and a few other countries use mg/dL for lipid panels. Most of Europe, Australia, and the UK use mmol/L. Both units measure the same thing — the concentration of triglycerides in blood — just on different scales.

Can I use this converter for cholesterol too?

No. Cholesterol has a different molecular weight, so its conversion factor (0.02586) differs from triglycerides (0.01129). This tool is specific to triglycerides only.

Should I fast before a triglyceride test?

Yes, a traditional lipid panel requires 9–12 hours of fasting because food — especially fat and carbohydrates — temporarily raises triglyceride levels. Some newer non-fasting panels exist, but fasting values are the clinical standard.

Triglyceride Converter

Name: Triglyceride Converter
Availability: InStock
Author: Nham Vu

Convert triglyceride levels between mg/dL and mmol/L with clinical range interpretation.

Enter Value

Triglycerides (mg/dL)

Triglycerides (mmol/L)

Result

Enter a value on the left to see the conversion.

Clinical Reference Ranges (AHA / ACC)

Range	mg/dL	mmol/L
Normal	< 150	< 1.70
Borderline High	150 – 199	1.70 – 2.25
High	200 – 499	2.26 – 5.64
Very High	≥ 500	≥ 5.65

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Summary

Convert triglyceride levels between mg/dL and mmol/L with clinical range interpretation.

How it works

Enter your triglyceride value in the mg/dL or mmol/L field.
The converter instantly calculates the equivalent in the other unit.
Your result is labeled with its clinical range: Normal, Borderline High, High, or Very High.
Use the swap button to flip the direction of conversion.
Copy either result to clipboard with one click.

Use cases

Understand a lab report that uses different units than your doctor.
Compare triglyceride readings from two different countries or health systems.
Track lipid panel results over time when units change between labs.
Quickly verify a value before entering it into a health app.
Educate patients or students on lipid unit differences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 2026-07-23 · Reviewed by Nham Vu