The cholesterol scale measures the amount and percentage of three different fats in the blood: high-density lipoproteins (HDL), low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and triglycerides. Levels are indicated for total cholesterol and for each component. The scale delineates desirable, borderline and high ranges for each type. Desirable levels for total cholesterol in the blood should be under 200 mg/dl. For LDLs, also known as the bad cholesterol, the number should be 130 or less. HDL levels should be 50 or higher, while triglycerides, which are fats in the blood that provide energy, should be less than 200.