NLR Calculator

Calculate Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio for inflammation and stress assessment

Calculate NLR

Input Method

×10³/μL

Normal range: 1.5-8.0 ×10³/μL

×10³/μL

Normal range: 1.0-4.0 ×10³/μL

NLR Interpretation Guide

0.1-1: Below Normal Range
May indicate elevated lymphocyte levels or decreased neutrophil count
1-2: Normal Range
Typical range for healthy, non-elderly adults
2-3: Grey Zone
Low inflammation and stress levels
3-7: Mild to Moderate
Mild to moderate inflammation and stress
7-11: Moderate
Moderate inflammation and stress
11-17: Severe
Severe inflammation and stress
17-23: Critical
Critical levels of stress and inflammation

Clinical Significance

Inflammatory biomarker for immune system assessment

Predictor of mortality and morbidity in various conditions

Used in cardiovascular disease, cancer, and infection monitoring

Simple, cost-effective screening tool

Reference Ranges

Neutrophils (ANC)

1.5-8.0 ×10³/μL

45-75% of WBC

Lymphocytes (ALC)

1.0-4.0 ×10³/μL

20-45% of WBC

NLR (Healthy Adults)

0.78-3.53

Reference: 2017 research study

Understanding the Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR)

What is NLR?

The Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) is a simple inflammatory biomarker calculated by dividing the absolute neutrophil count by the absolute lymphocyte count. It provides valuable information about immune system dysregulation, inflammation, and stress levels.

Clinical Applications

  • Cardiovascular Disease: Predicting outcomes in heart disease patients
  • Cancer: Prognosis assessment in various malignancies
  • Sepsis: Early detection and severity assessment
  • Stroke: Predicting mortality in ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke

How to Calculate NLR

NLR = ANC ÷ ALC

Where ANC = Absolute Neutrophil Count and ALC = Absolute Lymphocyte Count

Interpretation Guidelines

  • Low NLR (<1): May indicate lymphocytic conditions or neutropenia
  • Normal NLR (1-3): Typical range for healthy individuals
  • Elevated NLR (>3): Suggests inflammation, stress, or infection
  • Very High NLR (>10): Indicates significant systemic inflammation

Example Calculation

If ANC = 2,500 cells/μL and ALC = 1,500 cells/μL:

NLR = 2,500 ÷ 1,500 = 1.67 (Normal range)

Advantages

  • • Cost-effective
  • • Widely available
  • • Easy to calculate
  • • Standardized measurement

Limitations

  • • Non-specific marker
  • • Affected by medications
  • • Age and gender variations
  • • Requires clinical correlation

Important Medical Notes

  • • NLR values can be affected by age, gender, and ethnicity
  • • Medications such as corticosteroids can alter NLR
  • • Serial monitoring is more valuable than single measurements
  • • Always interpret results within the appropriate clinical context
  • • Consult healthcare professionals for proper medical interpretation