Neutrophils are the white cells that fight bacterial and fungal infections. A low ANC – common after chemotherapy – means a high risk of serious infection, and a fever with an ANC under 500 is a medical emergency (febrile neutropenia).
How to use the Absolute Neutrophil Count Calculator
- White blood cell count
- Segmented neutrophils
- Bands
Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.
How it works
Enter the white cell count and the differential percentages from your blood count report.
Inputs explained
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| White blood cell count | Units: ×10⁹/L (= ×10³/µL), cells/µL |
| Segmented neutrophils | In % |
| Bands | In % |
What each result means
- Absolute neutrophil count = [White blood cell count]×([Segmented neutrophils] + [Bands])÷100×1000
- ANC in ×10⁹/L = [Absolute neutrophil count]÷1000
Example values
How the main result changes when White blood cell count changes and everything else stays at the example values above:
| White blood cell count (×10⁹/L (= ×10³/µL)) | Absolute neutrophil count (cells/µL) |
|---|---|
| 2.25 | 1,170 |
| 3.38 | 1,755 |
| 4.5 | 2,340 |
| 5.63 | 2,925 |
| 6.75 | 3,510 |
| 9 | 4,680 |
Health note: this calculator is for education and screening only and is not a diagnosis or treatment advice. Discuss your results with a qualified clinician.
Formula
ANC = WBC × (segmented neutrophils % + bands %) ÷ 100
Neutropenia: mild 1,000–1,500 · moderate 500–1,000 · severe < 500 cells/µL
Worked example
Inputs — White blood cell count: 4.5 ×10⁹/L (= ×10³/µL); Segmented neutrophils: 50 %; Bands: 2 %.
Results — Absolute neutrophil count = 2,340 cells/µL; ANC in ×10⁹/L = 2.34.
Key terms
- ANC
- Absolute neutrophil count.
- Bands
- Immature neutrophils.
Frequently asked questions
What is a normal ANC?
About 1,500–8,000 cells/µL in adults.
What is febrile neutropenia?
A temperature of 38.3 °C (101 °F) or above with an ANC under 500 – it needs urgent antibiotics.
Do some people have naturally low neutrophils?
Yes – benign ethnic neutropenia, common in people of African or Middle Eastern descent, often has ANCs of 1,000–1,500.