Objective To evaluate lymph node metastasis status based on pulmonary nodule imaging characteristics, thereby providing a basis for determining lymph node dissection strategies. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the imaging features and postoperative pathological results of cT1 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients who underwent surgical treatment at Linyi People's Hospital from July 2019 to July 2022. Patients were grouped and analyzed according to lymph node metastasis status. Results A total of 1 127 patients were included, comprising 475 males and 652 females, with a median age of 59 years. Comparative analysis revealed that sex, age, nodule location, nodule size on imaging, solid component size, consolidation tumor ratio (CTR), average CT value, and tumor proximity to the pleura all influenced lymph node metastasis. A nomogram was constructed, indicating that the probability of lymph node metastasis in cT1 NSCLC was positively correlated with solid component size, CTR, and average CT value of the pulmonary nodule, and negatively correlated with patient age. Conclusion For cT1 NSCLC patients, the probability of lymph node metastasis can be predicted by measuring the solid component size, CTR, and average CT value of the pulmonary nodule, in conjunction with patient age. However, relying solely on pulmonary nodule imaging characteristics is insufficient to determine a specific lymph node dissection strategy.