What is a normal total cholesterol level?
The short answer
A typical US lab calls total cholesterol normal up to 200 mg/dL. That range exists to catch disease, not to describe your best.
Nobody on the record puts a target on total cholesterol. The quote below says why.
“I have 0 utility for total cholesterol. I think the only time a clinician should ever even pay attention to that number is if you have a patient that you are concerned has FH.”
What total cholesterol measures
All the cholesterol in your blood added together, across every particle type.
It moves with HDL as well as with the harmful particles. A strong HDL can push it up while the risk picture stays fine.
Checked against MedlinePlus — Cholesterol Levels.
Common questions
What is a normal total cholesterol level?
Most US labs print 0–200 mg/dL. Your report grades you against that range. It exists to catch disease, not to describe your best.
What does your total cholesterol number mean?
On a typical lab range, up to 200 mg/dL is normal and over 200 is high. Your own report prints its range next to your number, and that is the one your lab uses. Nobody we follow has drawn a line inside that range.
What does the total cholesterol test measure?
All the cholesterol in your blood added together, across every particle type. It moves with HDL as well as with the harmful particles. A strong HDL can push it up while the risk picture stays fine.
Why is there no target here?
Because of this quote on video: “I have 0 utility for total cholesterol. I think the only time a clinician should ever even pay attention to that number is if you have a patient that you are concerned has FH.” (Dr. Peter Attia, 5:41)