Objective To explore the applicability of different clinical staging systems in chronic lymphocytic leukemia(CLL) for Chinese patients. Methods 218 cases of CLL patients from the Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital during the year 2000 to 2007 were staged according to different clinical staging systems retrospectively,and the applicability of these systems was analysed. Results The 5-year overall survival(OS) rates of Rai 0, Ⅰ,Ⅱ, Ⅲ and Ⅳ group were (80.5±8.0) %, (79.7±6.7) %, (82.6±7.3) %, (46.1±19.7) % and (48.4±7.3) % respectively, being statistically different between stage 0 and Ⅲ/Ⅳ, Ⅰ and Ⅳ groups(P <0.05). For modified Rai staging system, the 5-year OS rates of low-, intermediate-and high-risk group were (80.5±8.0) %, (80.9±5.0) % and (49.6±6.5) % respectively, being statistically different between high-risk and intermediate/low-risk groups (P <0.05). The 5-year OS rates of Binet A, B and C group were (79.9±5.3) %, (71.7±7.7) % and (51.6±6.8) % respectively, being statistically different between A and B/C groups(P <0.05). The 5-year OS rates of GIMEMA Ⅰ , Ⅱ, Ⅲ and Ⅳ group were (85.1±4.5) %,(59.4±8.6) %, (64.3±9.5) % and (48.9±14.0) % respectively, being statistically different between Ⅰ and Ⅱ/Ⅲ /Ⅳ groups (P <0.05). By the definition of smouldering CLL according to Montserrat et al, or French Group criteria, the Binet A patients were divided into two groups:the smouldering group and the active group. No matter what criteria was used,there was no statistically difference in OS between the two groups (P >0.05). Conclusion There are limitations to some extent in the prognostic evaluation of available staging systems for Chinese CLL patients.A more suitable risk stratification system for Chinese CLL patients is required.