Triglycerides: normal range, high and low

In shortBelow 150 mg/dL (1.69 mmol/L) is normal for adults; 150–199 mg/dL (1.69–2.25 mmol/L) is borderline high, and 200 mg/dL (2.26 mmol/L) or more is high.

Reference ranges

Group	Reference range
Normal	Less than 150 mg/dL (1.69 mmol/L)
Borderline high	150–199 mg/dL (1.69–2.25 mmol/L)
High	200–499 mg/dL (2.26–5.64 mmol/L)
Very high	500 mg/dL (5.65 mmol/L) and above
Age 10–19	Less than 90 mg/dL (2.33 mmol/L)

Normal value ranges vary slightly among laboratories. Pregnancy can affect the result, and guidelines for children and teens differ from adult ones.

Check your value

Enter the number from your lab report — see how it compares with the typical range. Mind the units shown in the chosen row.

A rough comparison with a typical range, not a diagnosis. Reference ranges vary between laboratories — check the range on your own report and let a clinician interpret the result.

What this marker is

Triglycerides are a type of fat. The body makes some of them, and they also come from food: extra calories are turned into triglycerides and stored in fat cells for later use. The blood test is usually done at the same time as cholesterol, inside the lipid profile.

High triglycerides matter in two ways. Like cholesterol, they raise the risk of atherosclerosis — and with it heart attack and stroke — and a level of 150 mg/dL (1.69 mmol/L) or higher is also a risk factor for metabolic syndrome. At very high levels a different danger appears: inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), which is why values of 500 mg/dL (5.65 mmol/L) and above are treated with medicine to protect the pancreas.

Results are reported in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL); in millimoles per liter (mmol/L) in many countries. The categories for children and teens differ from the adult ones — for 10 to 19 year olds, below 90 mg/dL (2.33 mmol/L) is the guide — so a child's result needs its own reading.

Preparation is specific: nothing to eat for 8 to 12 hours before the test, because a recent meal moves the level directly. Alcohol and some medicines interfere with the result, and pregnancy can affect it — the provider needs the full picture.

When it is high

Poorly controlled diabetesUncontrolled blood sugar drives triglyceride production up — one of the most common medical causes.

Diet low in protein and high in carbohydratesA carbohydrate-heavy, protein-poor diet supplies the raw material for triglyceride production.

Underactive thyroidHypothyroidism slows fat clearance and raises triglycerides.

Nephrotic syndromeThis kidney disorder changes blood protein and lipid handling, pushing triglycerides up.

Cirrhosis or liver damageA damaged liver disturbs fat metabolism.

Familial disorder and medicinesAn inherited disorder with high cholesterol and triglycerides, and some medicines such as female hormones, also raise the level.

When it is low

Very uncommonTriglyceride levels that are too low are very uncommon and usually attract little clinical attention.

Possible causesA low-fat diet, an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), malabsorption, and malnutrition can produce low values.

What can skew the result

These factors can shift the value without any disease — worth considering before a retest:

Food within 8–12 hours before the testAlcoholPregnancyCertain medicines, such as female hormones

How to prepare

Do not eat for 8 to 12 hours before the test. Alcohol and some medicines interfere with the result; tell your provider about everything you take, including non-prescription medicines and supplements.

When a retest makes sense

Borderline and high values are usually rechecked after lifestyle changes — heart-healthy food, regular activity, weight management, limiting alcohol. At very high levels, medicine is added to prevent pancreatitis.

Who usually reviews this result

A result outside the reference range is usually reviewed by: your GP or primary care doctor; a cardiologist or endocrinologist depending on the cause. Bring your lab report and any previous results to the appointment.

Names used on lab reports

Your report may use any of these names:
TriglyceridesTGTRIGTriacylglycerol testFasting lipoprotein panel

Units and conversion

Measured in: mg/dL

mg/dL = mmol/L

mg/dL × 0.0113 = mmol/L. Example: 150 mg/dL = 1.69 mmol/L. Results are rounded to 2 decimal places.

Several markers on your report?

See how MedProtect explains results in the app: the whole report, a check of the recognized values, and a clear breakdown.

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Frequently asked questions

Why does the test require fasting?

Food turns into triglycerides within hours, so a recent meal inflates the measured level. Eight to twelve hours without food puts everyone on the same baseline; your provider's instructions take precedence.

What is dangerous about very high triglycerides?

At 500 mg/dL (5.65 mmol/L) and above the main risk shifts from arteries to the pancreas: very high levels can cause pancreatitis, which is why medicine to lower triglycerides is used at that point.

Are triglycerides cholesterol?

No — they are a different type of fat, measured in the same lipid profile. Cholesterol builds artery plaque; triglycerides store spare calories. Both matter for heart risk, and high triglycerides also mark metabolic syndrome risk.

Sources

Triglycerides Test: MedlinePlus Medical Test — MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine. Accessed: August 29, 2026.
Triglyceride level: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia — MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine. Accessed: August 29, 2026.

Triglycerides