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HematologyNLR

Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio Calculator

Calculate neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio from absolute counts or percentages.

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10³/µL or 10⁹/L
10³/µL or 10⁹/L

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio

Nonspecific derived ratio; no condition or prognosis is assigned

Input mode used:

About

The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) divides neutrophils by lymphocytes from the same blood count differential. Absolute counts or percentages can be used when both inputs use the same mode. NLR is nonspecific and this page does not infer inflammation, infection, cancer, or prognosis.

Formula

NLR = absolute neutrophil count ÷ absolute lymphocyte count
Percentage mode: NLR = neutrophil % ÷ lymphocyte %
Do not mix an absolute count with a percentage

Interpretation

Input units: In absolute mode, both counts must use the same scale; 10³/µL and 10⁹/L are numerically equivalent. In percentage mode, both values must be percentages from the same differential.

Worked example: Absolute neutrophils 6.0 and lymphocytes 2.0 in the same units gives NLR = 3.0.

Applicable population: The arithmetic can be calculated when contemporaneous neutrophil and lymphocyte results are available, but reference distributions and research cutoffs are condition- and population-specific.

Limitations: Acute stress, infection, corticosteroids and other medicines, smoking, exercise, laboratory method, hematologic disease, cancer therapy, and sample timing can alter either cell population. No universal interpretation is applied.

References

  1. Zahorec R. Ratio of neutrophil to lymphocyte counts—rapid and simple parameter of systemic inflammation and stress in critically ill. Bratisl Lek Listy. 2001;102:5-14.
  2. Forget P, et al. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in clinical practice. Can Urol Assoc J. 2017;11:61-62.

FAQ

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Disclaimer

Educational and informational reference only. Not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or independent verification.