Red cell distribution width (RDW) is a hematological parameter routinely obtained as a part of Complete blood count. Recently RDW has emerged as a potential independent predictor of clinical outcome in patients with established cardiovascular disease. However, little is known about the role of RDW as a predictor of severity among persons with ischemic stroke .1Hence elevated RDW may be a useful parameter to follow the development of atherosclerosis and hence stroke. Methods: The present study was conducted in the department of Medicine, KIMS Hospital , Bangalore, on 100 patients diagnosed to have acute ischemic stroke during the period of Novenber 2015 to September 2017. Data was collected by relevant history, clinical examination, investigations. Results: In the analysis, RDW was found to be significantly elevated in patients with moderate to severe strokes and it was also found that RDW was significantly elevated in stroke patients who suffered mortality during the hospital stay. Conclusion: The present study showed that RDW potentially is an important parameter for predicting the severity and outcome of acute ischemic stroke.