NLR Calculator
Table of contents
What is NLR?NLR ratio calculationInterpretation of neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio: elevated NLRFAQsWelcome to the NLR calculator, a simple and convenient tool to calculate the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio.
Come along to get answers to these NLR-related questions:
- What is the meaning of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio?
- How do I calculate the NLR ratio?
- What does an elevated NLR ratio indicate?
And more!
We try our best to make our Omni calculators as precise and reliable as possible. However, this tool can never replace a comprehensive assessment conducted by a certified medical professional. All information on this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as a substitute for medical consultation. Always consult a healthcare provider if you think you are unwell.
What is NLR?
The neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a novel and easily obtainable inflammatory biomarker indicating a dysregulated immune system, potentially signaling inflammation, infection, hematological malignancy, or other health concerns. Studies have also demonstrated that NLR has predictive capabilities for mortality and morbidity across diverse medical conditions, including , and hemorrhagic stroke, sepsis, , and cardiovascular diseases.
Want to learn more about absolute lymphocyte and neutrophil count? Then don't forget to visit Omni's absolute lymphocyte count and ANC without bands calculators.
NLR ratio calculation
Now that you know the meaning of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, let's learn how to calculate it. The NLR ratio formula is pretty simple:
NLR = ANC / ALC
where:
ANCis the absolute neutrophil count in cells per microliter; andALCis the absolute lymphocyte count in cells per microliter.
You can also save time and calculate the NLR value (absolute or relative, as per your preference) using our calculator! However, note that absolute neutrophil and lymphocyte counts are often more accurate and clinically relevant compared to the relative percentages.
🔎 Are you interested in other blood parameters that provide information about the immune system and inflammation? Then, you may enjoy our absolute eosinophil count calculator.
Interpretation of neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio: elevated NLR
Generally, an elevated NLR can potentially point to inflammation, stress, and other health concerns. Hence, the indicator can serve as a warning, prompting further investigation into the underlying cause. On the other hand, low NLR can result from elevated lymphocyte levels, often associated with autoimmune diseases or lymphocytic leukemia. Alternatively, a low NLR can also result from decreased neutrophil count, often observed in conditions such as neutropenia.
You can see the cut-off values based on numerous below:
NLR | Physiological stress level |
|---|---|
0.1-1 | Below normal range |
1-2 | Normal range |
2-3 | Grey zone, low inflammation and stress |
3-7 | Mild to moderate inflammation and stress |
7-11 | Moderate inflammation and stress |
11-17 | Severe inflammation and stress |
17-23 | Critical levels of stress and inflammation |
Although the cut-off values for the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio may vary based on the particular context and condition being evaluated, indicates that in a healthy, non-elderly adult population, the typical range for NLR is between 0.78 and 3.53.
How do I calculate the NLR ratio?
To calculate the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), you can follow these steps:
- Take the absolute neutrophil count (ANC) in cells/μL.
- Divide the value in step 1 by the absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) in cells/μL.
- That's all! You have now determined NLR.
What is my NLR if my ANC is 2,500 and ALC is 1,500?
If your absolute neutrophil count (ANC) is 2,500 cells/μL and your absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) is 1,500 cells/μL, then your neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is approximately 1.7, which is within the normal range.
You can always double-check this with Omni Calculator’s NLR calculator!
What does an NLR of 10 indicate?
A neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) of 10 indicates that the patient is experiencing moderate inflammation and stress. If you have concerns regarding your NLR, it is best to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation and to determine the appropriate course of treatment.
How do I interpret a neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio of 5?
To interpret the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) of 5, consider the following cut-off values:
- Normal range: 1-2;
- Mild to moderate inflammation and stress: 3-7;
- Moderate inflammation and stress: 7-11; and
- Severe inflammation and stress: 11-17.
According to these values, an NLR value of 5 indicates mild to moderate inflammation and stress.