Introduction: higher values of neutrophil/lymphocyte (N/L) ratio are associated with higher risk of death in patients with COVID-19 and, in this scenario, the evaluation of this marker can be useful to improve the management of these patients. Objective: to evaluate the N/L ratio as a predictor of mortality in patients hospitalized for COVID-19. Methods: 354 unvaccinated patients with COVID-19 [61 (50-72) years old; 57% men]; hospitalized between April 2020 and February 2021 were included in this cohort and were assessed by complete blood count on the first day of hospitalization, using the N/L ratio cutoff point of 5.94 previous published. Results: Of the total number of patients, 131 died (66±14 years old; 62% men) and, of those who required intensive care (n=130) 72% died (p<0.001). The N/L ratio comparison was lower in survivors when compared to the non-survivor group of patients [4.66(3.07-7.3210.3 vs 8.92(5.78-15.1)]; p<0.001), regardless the place of hospitalization. The Kaplan?Meier curve followed by the Log Rank test showed a higher risk of death when N/L ratio was ?5.94 (p<0.001). Multiple logistic regression demonstrated a higher risk of death of N/L ratio [OR: 3.36; 95%CI: 1.70-6.61; p<0.001] when the model was adjusted by age, sex, SpO2/FiO2 ratio on admission and invasive mechanical ventilation requirement. Conclusion: The N/L ratio can predict mortality in patients hospitalized due to COVID-19.