What Is the Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR)?
NLR is calculated by dividing the absolute neutrophil count by the absolute lymphocyte count.
Normal Range
- 1.0–3.0
Elevated NLR (above 3)
- Acute bacterial infection
- Chronic inflammation
- Stress response
- Cardiovascular disease (worse prognosis)
- Cancer (worse prognosis)
Low NLR (below 1)
- Viral infection
- Autoimmune disease
- Certain medications
Why It Matters
- Simple calculation from standard CBC
- Emerging prognostic marker
- Reflects the balance between innate (neutrophil) and adaptive (lymphocyte) immunity
Source: NLM MedlinePlus, American Association for Clinical Chemistry.
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