Hi Shawn,   Your cholesterol profile includes all cholesterol components:   HDL - "good" cholesterol LDL - "bad" cholesterol VLDL - "bad" cholesterol Triglycerides - type of fat in the blood Total cholesterol - calculated from above components   A cholesterol profile may include ratios, such as total cholesterol to HDL ratio.   Total cholesterol is part of your lipid profile.  Here's the formula to calculate total cholesterol:   Total cholesterol = HDL + LDL + VLDL VLDL is estimated from triglycerides:  VLDL = Triglycerides divided by 5    A lipid profile is beneficial, because you know your "good" cholesterol level and "bad" cholesterol levels.  The interventions that work best to raise HDL and lower LDL differ, so knowing all your numbers helps you make the most effective changes.   All the best,   Lisa Nelson, RD, LN Heart Health and Weight Loss Tips