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ANC Calculator (Absolute Neutrophil Count)

This ANC calculator works out the absolute neutrophil count from the white blood cell count and the differential. Example: a WBC of 6.0 × 10⁹/L with 55% segs and 3% bands gives 3,480 cells/µL.

Example: Unit of the white cell count: × 10⁹/L (= × 10³/µL, K/µL) · WBC in × 10⁹/L 6 × 10⁹/L · Segmented neutrophils (segs) 55 % · Band neutrophils (bands) 3 % → Result: ANC = 3,480/µL (3.48 × 10⁹/L). Source: MSD Manual Professional – Neutropenia (neutrophil count = white blood cell count × proportion of neutrophils including band forms). Updated: .

× 10⁹/L
%
If the report only lists “neutrophils”, enter that value here.
%
If not reported: 0.
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Result

Result
ANC = 3,480/µL (3.48 × 10⁹/L)
CTCAE grades for “neutrophil count decreased”
CTCAE v6.0Neutrophils (ANC)
Grade 1< 1,500 – 1,000/µL
Grade 2< 1,000 – 500/µL
Grade 3< 500 – 100/µL
Grade 4< 100/µL
Working
  • White cells: 6 × 10⁹/L × 1,000 = 6,000/µL.
  • ANC = 6,000 × (55% + 3%) ÷ 100 = 3,480/µL.
  • At 1,500/µL or more the value is above grades 1 to 4 of CTCAE v6.0.
This calculation does not replace a medical assessment. CTCAE grades describe adverse events in cancer treatment; normal ranges differ by laboratory and age. Low values, especially together with a fever, need prompt medical attention.

How it is calculated

The absolute neutrophil count (ANC) is the number of neutrophils in one microlitre of blood. A differential often reports neutrophils only as a percentage of white blood cells. For judging the body’s defence against infection, however, the absolute number is what counts – for example when monitoring chemotherapy.

Formula

ANC = WBC × (% segs + % bands) ÷ 100. Segs are mature, segmented neutrophils; bands are their younger precursors; the two are added together. On units: 1 × 10⁹/L equals 1 × 10³/µL, which is 1,000 cells per microlitre (µL = mm³).

Worked example

A WBC of 6.0 × 10⁹/L is 6,000/µL. With 55% segs and 3% bands: 6,000 × 58 ÷ 100 = 3,480/µL, or 3.48 × 10⁹/L. Second example: a WBC of 2.0 × 10⁹/L with 30% and 2% gives 2,000 × 32 ÷ 100 = 640/µL – CTCAE v6.0 grade 2.

CTCAE grading

The Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events of the US National Cancer Institute, in the current edition CTCAE v6.0 (published 2025), grade a decreased neutrophil count as follows: grade 1 below 1,500 to 1,000/µL, grade 2 below 1,000 to 500/µL, grade 3 below 500 to 100/µL, grade 4 below 100/µL. The previous edition, CTCAE v5.0, set each limit one step higher (grade 4 began there below 500/µL), so older reports and studies may state a different grade.

Frequently asked questions

How do you calculate ANC?

Multiply the white blood cell count by the sum of the seg and band percentages and divide by 100. With 6,000/µL and 58% that is 3,480/µL.

What does ANC stand for?

ANC means absolute neutrophil count. It is reported in cells per microlitre or in × 10⁹/L.

When is a neutrophil count considered low?

Under CTCAE v6.0, grade 1 starts below 1,500/µL; grade 2 is below 1,000/µL, grade 3 below 500/µL and grade 4 below 100/µL. Interpreting an individual result is a matter for a doctor.

How do I convert × 10⁹/L to cells per µL?

Multiply by 1,000: 3.48 × 10⁹/L is 3,480 cells/µL. The units × 10³/µL and K/µL are identical to × 10⁹/L.

Sources and legal basis

As of: · Editorial policy

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