Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio
Calculates the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio from the differential count.
When to use
Adults with a differential count, to track the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in clinical or oncologic context.
Pearls and pitfalls
- NLR is neutrophils divided by lymphocytes, both in the same unit.
- High values may reflect inflammation, infection or physiologic stress without specificity.
- The cutoff varies across studies and populations; there is no single universal threshold.
- Use the same method and laboratory to compare serial measurements.
Fill in the fields to see the result.
Formula
NLR = neutrophils ÷ lymphocytes.
Evidence
Ratio derived from the differential count and studied as a prognostic marker in several diseases, including cancer.
References
- Templeton AJ, McNamara MG, Šeruga B, et al. Prognostic role of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in solid tumors: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2014;106(6):dju124. doi:10.1093/jnci/dju124
Frequently asked questions
What is Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio?
Calculates the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio from the differential count. Adults with a differential count, to track the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in clinical or oncologic context.
How is the result calculated?
NLR = neutrophils ÷ lymphocytes.
How should the result be interpreted?
Ratio derived from the differential count and studied as a prognostic marker in several diseases, including cancer.
What are the sources?
Templeton AJ, McNamara MG, Šeruga B, et al. Prognostic role of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in solid tumors: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2014;106(6):dju124.