BACKGROUND/AIM: The status of lymph node metastasis of primary tumours remains to be completely investigated. This study investigated the prognostic impact of the degree of primary lymph node metastasis in patients with colorectal liver metastasis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analysed the clinical data of 106 patients with colorectal liver metastases who underwent surgical resection. Prognostic factors, including the degree of the positive primary lymph nodes, positive lymph node ratio, and log odds of positive lymph nodes, were evaluated. RESULTS: The T factor and N2 status were independent risk factors for overall survival in patients who underwent surgical resection. Survival was significantly lower in the N2 group than in the N0-1 group. Additionally, ≥N2 status showed better prognostic performance than ≥N1 status. CONCLUSION: N2 of primary tumours is an independent useful prognostic factor in colorectal liver metastasis and can help determine the indication of surgical resection and pre/post-operative chemotherapy.