<?xml version="1.0" encoding="US-ASCII"?>
<!--XBRL Document Created with Wdesk from Workiva-->
<!-- -->
<link:linkbase xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd" xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nanostring.com/role/BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:href="nstg-20170930.xsd#BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nanostring.com/role/BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:href="nstg-20170930.xsd#BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nanostring.com/role/BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:href="nstg-20170930.xsd#BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nanostring.com/role/CollaborationAgreements" xlink:href="nstg-20170930.xsd#CollaborationAgreements" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nanostring.com/role/CollaborationAgreementsAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:href="nstg-20170930.xsd#CollaborationAgreementsAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nanostring.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:href="nstg-20170930.xsd#CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nanostring.com/role/ConcentrationOfRisks" xlink:href="nstg-20170930.xsd#ConcentrationOfRisks" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nanostring.com/role/ConcentrationOfRisksAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:href="nstg-20170930.xsd#ConcentrationOfRisksAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nanostring.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:href="nstg-20170930.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nanostring.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" xlink:href="nstg-20170930.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nanostring.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:href="nstg-20170930.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nanostring.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveLoss" xlink:href="nstg-20170930.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveLoss" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nanostring.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations" xlink:href="nstg-20170930.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nanostring.com/role/DescriptionOfBusiness" xlink:href="nstg-20170930.xsd#DescriptionOfBusiness" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nanostring.com/role/DescriptionOfBusinessAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:href="nstg-20170930.xsd#DescriptionOfBusinessAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nanostring.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:href="nstg-20170930.xsd#DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nanostring.com/role/FairValueMeasurements" xlink:href="nstg-20170930.xsd#FairValueMeasurements" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nanostring.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsCompanysAvailableForSaleSecuritiesByLevelWithinFairValueHierarchyDetail" xlink:href="nstg-20170930.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsCompanysAvailableForSaleSecuritiesByLevelWithinFairValueHierarchyDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nanostring.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsTables" xlink:href="nstg-20170930.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nanostring.com/role/InformationAboutGeographicAreas" xlink:href="nstg-20170930.xsd#InformationAboutGeographicAreas" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nanostring.com/role/InformationAboutGeographicAreasAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:href="nstg-20170930.xsd#InformationAboutGeographicAreasAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nanostring.com/role/InformationAboutGeographicAreasClassificationOfRevenueByGeographyDetail" xlink:href="nstg-20170930.xsd#InformationAboutGeographicAreasClassificationOfRevenueByGeographyDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nanostring.com/role/InformationAboutGeographicAreasTables" xlink:href="nstg-20170930.xsd#InformationAboutGeographicAreasTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nanostring.com/role/Inventory" xlink:href="nstg-20170930.xsd#Inventory" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nanostring.com/role/InventoryScheduleOfInventoryDetail" xlink:href="nstg-20170930.xsd#InventoryScheduleOfInventoryDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nanostring.com/role/InventoryTables" xlink:href="nstg-20170930.xsd#InventoryTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nanostring.com/role/LongTermDebtAndLeaseFinancingObligations" xlink:href="nstg-20170930.xsd#LongTermDebtAndLeaseFinancingObligations" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nanostring.com/role/LongTermDebtAndLeaseFinancingObligationsAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:href="nstg-20170930.xsd#LongTermDebtAndLeaseFinancingObligationsAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nanostring.com/role/LongTermDebtAndLeaseFinancingObligationsComponentsOfBorrowingsIncludingCurrentPortionDetail" xlink:href="nstg-20170930.xsd#LongTermDebtAndLeaseFinancingObligationsComponentsOfBorrowingsIncludingCurrentPortionDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nanostring.com/role/LongTermDebtAndLeaseFinancingObligationsScheduledFuturePrincipalPaymentsUnderOutstandingDebtObligationsDetail" xlink:href="nstg-20170930.xsd#LongTermDebtAndLeaseFinancingObligationsScheduledFuturePrincipalPaymentsUnderOutstandingDebtObligationsDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nanostring.com/role/LongTermDebtAndLeaseFinancingObligationsTables" xlink:href="nstg-20170930.xsd#LongTermDebtAndLeaseFinancingObligationsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nanostring.com/role/NetLossPerShare" xlink:href="nstg-20170930.xsd#NetLossPerShare" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nanostring.com/role/NetLossPerShareSummaryOfSharesUnderlyingOutstandingOptionsAndWarrantsWereExcludedFromComputationOfBasicAndDilutedNetLossPerShareDetail" xlink:href="nstg-20170930.xsd#NetLossPerShareSummaryOfSharesUnderlyingOutstandingOptionsAndWarrantsWereExcludedFromComputationOfBasicAndDilutedNetLossPerShareDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nanostring.com/role/NetLossPerShareTables" xlink:href="nstg-20170930.xsd#NetLossPerShareTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nanostring.com/role/ShortTermInvestments" xlink:href="nstg-20170930.xsd#ShortTermInvestments" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nanostring.com/role/ShortTermInvestmentsAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:href="nstg-20170930.xsd#ShortTermInvestmentsAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nanostring.com/role/ShortTermInvestmentsAvailableForSaleSecuritiesDetail" xlink:href="nstg-20170930.xsd#ShortTermInvestmentsAvailableForSaleSecuritiesDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nanostring.com/role/ShortTermInvestmentsFairValuesOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesByContractualMaturityDetail" xlink:href="nstg-20170930.xsd#ShortTermInvestmentsFairValuesOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesByContractualMaturityDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nanostring.com/role/ShortTermInvestmentsSummaryOfInvestmentsInContinuousLossPositionDetails" xlink:href="nstg-20170930.xsd#ShortTermInvestmentsSummaryOfInvestmentsInContinuousLossPositionDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nanostring.com/role/ShortTermInvestmentsTables" xlink:href="nstg-20170930.xsd#ShortTermInvestmentsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nanostring.com/role/SubsequentEvent" xlink:href="nstg-20170930.xsd#SubsequentEvent" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/role/negated-2009-12-16.xsd#negatedLabel" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedNetLabel" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/role/negated-2009-12-16.xsd#negatedNetLabel" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedPeriodEndLabel" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/role/negated-2009-12-16.xsd#negatedPeriodEndLabel" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedPeriodStartLabel" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/role/negated-2009-12-16.xsd#negatedPeriodStartLabel" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/role/negated-2009-12-16.xsd#negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTotalLabel" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/role/negated-2009-12-16.xsd#negatedTotalLabel" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/netLabel" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/role/net-2009-12-16.xsd#netLabel" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nanostring.com/role/BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_8B79673B3AE2111DF65CAA5DEE5E9813" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BasisOfPresentationAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BasisOfPresentationAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock_1AB506D386B702517ABEAA5DEE5ECDC2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_8B79673B3AE2111DF65CAA5DEE5E9813" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BasisOfPresentationAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock_1AB506D386B702517ABEAA5DEE5ECDC2" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nanostring.com/role/BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_32B695146D73964BEF59AA5DEE59D93A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nstg-20170930.xsd#nstg_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:label="loc_nstg_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable_0B5D8D927200085AEFD7AA5DEE5975E8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_32B695146D73964BEF59AA5DEE59D93A" xlink:to="loc_nstg_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable_0B5D8D927200085AEFD7AA5DEE5975E8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_24A0B46D13EAFA72849BAA5DEE5984EB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nstg_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable_0B5D8D927200085AEFD7AA5DEE5975E8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_24A0B46D13EAFA72849BAA5DEE5984EB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_E1DB3F1E034EC4C3814AAA5DEE591FE4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_24A0B46D13EAFA72849BAA5DEE5984EB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_E1DB3F1E034EC4C3814AAA5DEE591FE4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_9056B62560990CD9B808AA5DEE5AF00A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_E1DB3F1E034EC4C3814AAA5DEE591FE4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_9056B62560990CD9B808AA5DEE5AF00A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_EEB7A5D432B7714156F5AA5DEE5A28B7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_E1DB3F1E034EC4C3814AAA5DEE591FE4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_EEB7A5D432B7714156F5AA5DEE5A28B7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nstg-20170930.xsd#nstg_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_nstg_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_D41C0D6C59E496467F49AA5DEE5A51FD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nstg_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable_0B5D8D927200085AEFD7AA5DEE5975E8" xlink:to="loc_nstg_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_D41C0D6C59E496467F49AA5DEE5A51FD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nstg-20170930.xsd#nstg_ExtendedProductWarrantyPeriod" xlink:label="loc_nstg_ExtendedProductWarrantyPeriod_BCE2493D5EE942D11AB9AA5DEE5A9A8B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nstg_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_D41C0D6C59E496467F49AA5DEE5A51FD" xlink:to="loc_nstg_ExtendedProductWarrantyPeriod_BCE2493D5EE942D11AB9AA5DEE5A9A8B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nstg-20170930.xsd#nstg_StandardProductWarrantyPeriod" xlink:label="loc_nstg_StandardProductWarrantyPeriod_11E3B1D9888CE773B1DBAA5DEE5AC0CE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nstg_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_D41C0D6C59E496467F49AA5DEE5A51FD" xlink:to="loc_nstg_StandardProductWarrantyPeriod_11E3B1D9888CE773B1DBAA5DEE5AC0CE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nstg-20170930.xsd#nstg_PercentageUsedToDetermineDiscountForStandaloneSalesWithinPrevious12Months" xlink:label="loc_nstg_PercentageUsedToDetermineDiscountForStandaloneSalesWithinPrevious12Months_E041E5969BA5166401C0AA5DEE5ADE8B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nstg_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_D41C0D6C59E496467F49AA5DEE5A51FD" xlink:to="loc_nstg_PercentageUsedToDetermineDiscountForStandaloneSalesWithinPrevious12Months_E041E5969BA5166401C0AA5DEE5ADE8B" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nanostring.com/role/BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_0ED66A4C5A7179D32B1EAA5DEE5C211E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BasisOfAccountingPolicyPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BasisOfAccountingPolicyPolicyTextBlock_C4DF32B61F65A52DCFD8AA5DEE5C89BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_0ED66A4C5A7179D32B1EAA5DEE5C211E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BasisOfAccountingPolicyPolicyTextBlock_C4DF32B61F65A52DCFD8AA5DEE5C89BF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueRecognitionPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueRecognitionPolicyTextBlock_D634F7F5681C62F0530FAA5DEE5CA6A2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_0ED66A4C5A7179D32B1EAA5DEE5C211E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueRecognitionPolicyTextBlock_D634F7F5681C62F0530FAA5DEE5CA6A2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsPolicyPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsPolicyPolicyTextBlock_98691088E4C801806CAFAA5DEE5C1F0E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_0ED66A4C5A7179D32B1EAA5DEE5C211E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsPolicyPolicyTextBlock_98691088E4C801806CAFAA5DEE5C1F0E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerSharePolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerSharePolicyTextBlock_337D9411C084CF59B6EAAA5DEE5C1354" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_0ED66A4C5A7179D32B1EAA5DEE5C211E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerSharePolicyTextBlock_337D9411C084CF59B6EAAA5DEE5C1354" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementPolicyPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementPolicyPolicyTextBlock_3FA7AD1E1176748F474CAA5DEE5CFB36" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_0ED66A4C5A7179D32B1EAA5DEE5C211E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementPolicyPolicyTextBlock_3FA7AD1E1176748F474CAA5DEE5CFB36" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nanostring.com/role/CollaborationAgreements" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredRevenueDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueDisclosureAbstract_93474422CEFB8F646F6BAA5DEE1CFAD4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementDisclosureTextBlock_FC6686D4F958CCA4B533AA5DEE1CD9F2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueDisclosureAbstract_93474422CEFB8F646F6BAA5DEE1CFAD4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementDisclosureTextBlock_FC6686D4F958CCA4B533AA5DEE1CD9F2" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nanostring.com/role/CollaborationAgreementsAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredRevenueDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueDisclosureAbstract_91FD72B4B33C0B5C5E0B97F43398B098" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfCollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsTable_5E1301313E70FD630F5F97F43399A22A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueDisclosureAbstract_91FD72B4B33C0B5C5E0B97F43398B098" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsTable_5E1301313E70FD630F5F97F43399A22A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis_B02E55B4D5B12416A76197F4339927CA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsTable_5E1301313E70FD630F5F97F43399A22A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis_B02E55B4D5B12416A76197F4339927CA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember_BA21C53750669E34691797F433993318" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis_B02E55B4D5B12416A76197F4339927CA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember_BA21C53750669E34691797F433993318" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementMember_C81D4EEBB0A280269C7597F43399BCFE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember_BA21C53750669E34691797F433993318" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementMember_C81D4EEBB0A280269C7597F43399BCFE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nstg-20170930.xsd#nstg_ClinicalCollaborativeArrangementMember" xlink:label="loc_nstg_ClinicalCollaborativeArrangementMember_A79610A37B8D79D2359197F43399F38F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember_BA21C53750669E34691797F433993318" xlink:to="loc_nstg_ClinicalCollaborativeArrangementMember_A79610A37B8D79D2359197F43399F38F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis_5624EA49B6E4990774BE97F43399810E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsTable_5E1301313E70FD630F5F97F43399A22A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis_5624EA49B6E4990774BE97F43399810E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_32AFFCDD1E2E6990290597F4339937A0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis_5624EA49B6E4990774BE97F43399810E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_32AFFCDD1E2E6990290597F4339937A0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nstg-20170930.xsd#nstg_CelgeneCorporationMember" xlink:label="loc_nstg_CelgeneCorporationMember_020EEDDDC3B9FD7F965697F433994A78" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_32AFFCDD1E2E6990290597F4339937A0" xlink:to="loc_nstg_CelgeneCorporationMember_020EEDDDC3B9FD7F965697F433994A78" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nstg-20170930.xsd#nstg_MerckSharpAndDohmeCorporationMember" xlink:label="loc_nstg_MerckSharpAndDohmeCorporationMember_6CD065B1E0ABA307202297F43399089F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_32AFFCDD1E2E6990290597F4339937A0" xlink:to="loc_nstg_MerckSharpAndDohmeCorporationMember_6CD065B1E0ABA307202297F43399089F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nstg-20170930.xsd#nstg_MedivationInc.andAstellasPharmaInc.Member" xlink:label="loc_nstg_MedivationInc.andAstellasPharmaInc.Member_6D11B75DF7E75C58AAF097F433995BCE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_32AFFCDD1E2E6990290597F4339937A0" xlink:to="loc_nstg_MedivationInc.andAstellasPharmaInc.Member_6D11B75DF7E75C58AAF097F433995BCE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nstg-20170930.xsd#nstg_LamResearchCorporationMember" xlink:label="loc_nstg_LamResearchCorporationMember_13380993AE23ABF7142497F4339A50E7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_32AFFCDD1E2E6990290597F4339937A0" xlink:to="loc_nstg_LamResearchCorporationMember_13380993AE23ABF7142497F4339A50E7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementTypeAxis_B7AAC8A1F80E830E710497F4339A53A0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsTable_5E1301313E70FD630F5F97F43399A22A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementTypeAxis_B7AAC8A1F80E830E710497F4339A53A0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementTypeDomain_96104818B3AC628A2C4F97F4339AF3C9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementTypeAxis_B7AAC8A1F80E830E710497F4339A53A0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementTypeDomain_96104818B3AC628A2C4F97F4339AF3C9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UpFrontPaymentArrangementMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UpFrontPaymentArrangementMember_FA92595EE6FD7D1A6B3197F4339AC602" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementTypeDomain_96104818B3AC628A2C4F97F4339AF3C9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UpFrontPaymentArrangementMember_FA92595EE6FD7D1A6B3197F4339AC602" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_4D9923A722582B50DE7497F4339A5154" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsTable_5E1301313E70FD630F5F97F43399A22A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_4D9923A722582B50DE7497F4339A5154" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_9CF27D8DCFC8D273899C97F4339AF609" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_4D9923A722582B50DE7497F4339A5154" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_9CF27D8DCFC8D273899C97F4339AF609" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_61884287EFF4BC42C00397F4339ADC8E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_9CF27D8DCFC8D273899C97F4339AF609" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_61884287EFF4BC42C00397F4339ADC8E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems_04663D7EB8EC41BA154F97F4339A739C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsTable_5E1301313E70FD630F5F97F43399A22A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems_04663D7EB8EC41BA154F97F4339A739C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueRecognitionMilestoneMethodRevenueRecognized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueRecognitionMilestoneMethodRevenueRecognized_EBAFD06ED5A68392A3CB97F4339AF57C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems_04663D7EB8EC41BA154F97F4339A739C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueRecognitionMilestoneMethodRevenueRecognized_EBAFD06ED5A68392A3CB97F4339AF57C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredRevenueAdditions" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueAdditions_B737BCB381E279A7D41497F4339FAEE6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems_04663D7EB8EC41BA154F97F4339A739C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueAdditions_B737BCB381E279A7D41497F4339FAEE6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nstg-20170930.xsd#nstg_RevenueRecognitionMilestoneMethodMinimumAnnualRevenuePeriod" xlink:label="loc_nstg_RevenueRecognitionMilestoneMethodMinimumAnnualRevenuePeriod_0726B1B3DB1121EC79BC97F4339FBC79" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems_04663D7EB8EC41BA154F97F4339A739C" xlink:to="loc_nstg_RevenueRecognitionMilestoneMethodMinimumAnnualRevenuePeriod_0726B1B3DB1121EC79BC97F4339FBC79" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RecognitionOfDeferredRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RecognitionOfDeferredRevenue_987F50996799E837A7EB97F433A0E420" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems_04663D7EB8EC41BA154F97F4339A739C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RecognitionOfDeferredRevenue_987F50996799E837A7EB97F433A0E420" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenue_284AD9EC7DC0452E55A197F433A0F529" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems_04663D7EB8EC41BA154F97F4339A739C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenue_284AD9EC7DC0452E55A197F433A0F529" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent_CBC0CC4B5FF2FF6789F897F433A0D1DE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems_04663D7EB8EC41BA154F97F4339A739C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent_CBC0CC4B5FF2FF6789F897F433A0D1DE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredRevenueCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueCurrent_C89BAC9F4764E417473997F433A0119D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems_04663D7EB8EC41BA154F97F4339A739C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueCurrent_C89BAC9F4764E417473997F433A0119D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nstg-20170930.xsd#nstg_CollaborativeAgreementPeriodOfContract" xlink:label="loc_nstg_CollaborativeAgreementPeriodOfContract_610EF89FBD4F39D31E0B97F433A06DB0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems_04663D7EB8EC41BA154F97F4339A739C" xlink:to="loc_nstg_CollaborativeAgreementPeriodOfContract_610EF89FBD4F39D31E0B97F433A06DB0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromCollaborators" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromCollaborators_D29B1C04E0AF0A59798797F433A0F678" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems_04663D7EB8EC41BA154F97F4339A739C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromCollaborators_D29B1C04E0AF0A59798797F433A0F678" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LicenseAndServicesRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LicenseAndServicesRevenue_94C6D1DC35C8072702F997F433A00112" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems_04663D7EB8EC41BA154F97F4339A739C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LicenseAndServicesRevenue_94C6D1DC35C8072702F997F433A00112" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nstg-20170930.xsd#nstg_ExercisePriceOfCommonStockWarrants" xlink:label="loc_nstg_ExercisePriceOfCommonStockWarrants_7A6115971B886A94823997F433A09956" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems_04663D7EB8EC41BA154F97F4339A739C" xlink:to="loc_nstg_ExercisePriceOfCommonStockWarrants_7A6115971B886A94823997F433A09956" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockAndWarrantsIssuedDuringPeriodValuePreferredStockAndWarrants" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockAndWarrantsIssuedDuringPeriodValuePreferredStockAndWarrants_C2EEA3238BADF620333597F433A08F2E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems_04663D7EB8EC41BA154F97F4339A739C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockAndWarrantsIssuedDuringPeriodValuePreferredStockAndWarrants_C2EEA3238BADF620333597F433A08F2E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nstg-20170930.xsd#nstg_MaximumAmountOfRoyaltiesPayableRatioToLicenseAndServiceRevenue" xlink:label="loc_nstg_MaximumAmountOfRoyaltiesPayableRatioToLicenseAndServiceRevenue_52C611787DAA17A06DE097F433A09927" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems_04663D7EB8EC41BA154F97F4339A739C" xlink:to="loc_nstg_MaximumAmountOfRoyaltiesPayableRatioToLicenseAndServiceRevenue_52C611787DAA17A06DE097F433A09927" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nstg-20170930.xsd#nstg_ReimbursementOfCounterpartyCostsMaximumNumberOfEmployees" xlink:label="loc_nstg_ReimbursementOfCounterpartyCostsMaximumNumberOfEmployees_C24BF5F5B98084A48F4F97F433A03CFD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems_04663D7EB8EC41BA154F97F4339A739C" xlink:to="loc_nstg_ReimbursementOfCounterpartyCostsMaximumNumberOfEmployees_C24BF5F5B98084A48F4F97F433A03CFD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightOutstanding_3D8D25701C259B44B8A797F433A0A4C4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="15" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems_04663D7EB8EC41BA154F97F4339A739C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightOutstanding_3D8D25701C259B44B8A797F433A0A4C4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnContractTermination" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnContractTermination_59AF4D30359F7FACDF2A97F433A0357C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="16" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems_04663D7EB8EC41BA154F97F4339A739C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnContractTermination_59AF4D30359F7FACDF2A97F433A0357C" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nanostring.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_CAFB56E0024EAE2630D8AA5DEE1496F2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock_EEF83C5E072F583855E0AA5DEE14DFC3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_CAFB56E0024EAE2630D8AA5DEE1496F2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock_EEF83C5E072F583855E0AA5DEE14DFC3" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nanostring.com/role/ConcentrationOfRisks" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RisksAndUncertaintiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RisksAndUncertaintiesAbstract_83F451DA5CBE1A212B68AA5DEE509744" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskDisclosureTextBlock_78EDCBFDC2C59877B20DAA5DEE50C208" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RisksAndUncertaintiesAbstract_83F451DA5CBE1A212B68AA5DEE509744" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskDisclosureTextBlock_78EDCBFDC2C59877B20DAA5DEE50C208" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nanostring.com/role/ConcentrationOfRisksAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RisksAndUncertaintiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RisksAndUncertaintiesAbstract_750ECBA1E62D07B4B6158242539D5D8C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable_65877F7C1B7A9A01DC178242539D60D3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RisksAndUncertaintiesAbstract_750ECBA1E62D07B4B6158242539D5D8C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable_65877F7C1B7A9A01DC178242539D60D3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis_C69B5C69623BC0D88E898242539D01D1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable_65877F7C1B7A9A01DC178242539D60D3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis_C69B5C69623BC0D88E898242539D01D1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_69E1223EB2535D559C508242539DEB39" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis_C69B5C69623BC0D88E898242539D01D1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_69E1223EB2535D559C508242539DEB39" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nstg-20170930.xsd#nstg_MedivationInc.andAstellasPharmaInc.Member" xlink:label="loc_nstg_MedivationInc.andAstellasPharmaInc.Member_3D7992215C0E5DF2C38F8242539DA891" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_69E1223EB2535D559C508242539DEB39" xlink:to="loc_nstg_MedivationInc.andAstellasPharmaInc.Member_3D7992215C0E5DF2C38F8242539DA891" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nstg-20170930.xsd#nstg_MerckSharpAndDohmeCorporationMember" xlink:label="loc_nstg_MerckSharpAndDohmeCorporationMember_4BC1A434A86CC9422E378242539DB962" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_69E1223EB2535D559C508242539DEB39" xlink:to="loc_nstg_MerckSharpAndDohmeCorporationMember_4BC1A434A86CC9422E378242539DB962" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_397E23080B5075B255458242539D1661" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable_65877F7C1B7A9A01DC178242539D60D3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_397E23080B5075B255458242539D1661" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_BC0CB8E356793B0619798242539D0C3D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_397E23080B5075B255458242539D1661" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_BC0CB8E356793B0619798242539D0C3D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember_F35FFA3E4C243F90668F8242539D65D9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_BC0CB8E356793B0619798242539D0C3D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember_F35FFA3E4C243F90668F8242539D65D9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_8B43ECE440D1481DE9978242539D14A8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable_65877F7C1B7A9A01DC178242539D60D3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_8B43ECE440D1481DE9978242539D14A8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_52EF11DFAA2EC36807E28242539DFF31" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_8B43ECE440D1481DE9978242539D14A8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_52EF11DFAA2EC36807E28242539DFF31" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetMember_9D960327B1FF6B9B9E59824253AD6C17" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_52EF11DFAA2EC36807E28242539DFF31" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetMember_9D960327B1FF6B9B9E59824253AD6C17" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskLineItems_FB8071383F682842C7E9824253AD419B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable_65877F7C1B7A9A01DC178242539D60D3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskLineItems_FB8071383F682842C7E9824253AD419B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1_AE5BE646CBD671BF84B4824253AD16A0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskLineItems_FB8071383F682842C7E9824253AD419B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1_AE5BE646CBD671BF84B4824253AD16A0" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nanostring.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_397B175795BE707F829173C9E79459CF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_E09EF1F4A7BB68BD9E5773C9E794D333" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_397B175795BE707F829173C9E79459CF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_E09EF1F4A7BB68BD9E5773C9E794D333" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_89A385ADADBCEF998A1473C9E7940FFE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_E09EF1F4A7BB68BD9E5773C9E794D333" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_89A385ADADBCEF998A1473C9E7940FFE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_CF4A290420CBEB56F27373C9E794382E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_89A385ADADBCEF998A1473C9E7940FFE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_CF4A290420CBEB56F27373C9E794382E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesCurrent_A9FD883ABB85850CEC8173C9E79535BA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_89A385ADADBCEF998A1473C9E7940FFE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesCurrent_A9FD883ABB85850CEC8173C9E79535BA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_A2417E5C4F57E136273B73C9E7953036" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_89A385ADADBCEF998A1473C9E7940FFE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_A2417E5C4F57E136273B73C9E7953036" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InventoryNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InventoryNet_27D3F4E53786EB1EAFA173C9E795DAE4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_89A385ADADBCEF998A1473C9E7940FFE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InventoryNet_27D3F4E53786EB1EAFA173C9E795DAE4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent_5E54A8F041472C2178F773C9E79559FC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_89A385ADADBCEF998A1473C9E7940FFE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent_5E54A8F041472C2178F773C9E79559FC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_8D9D11251CCA40455D1B73C9E7967F5B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_89A385ADADBCEF998A1473C9E7940FFE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_8D9D11251CCA40455D1B73C9E7967F5B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsNoncurrent_84AFB263E66031A188C873C9E7962FE6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_E09EF1F4A7BB68BD9E5773C9E794D333" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsNoncurrent_84AFB263E66031A188C873C9E7962FE6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_D92C075D49548984EFF773C9E796F573" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_E09EF1F4A7BB68BD9E5773C9E794D333" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_D92C075D49548984EFF773C9E796F573" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_3570C5687AE783627EEE73C9E796364F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_E09EF1F4A7BB68BD9E5773C9E794D333" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_3570C5687AE783627EEE73C9E796364F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_5193835E24AA0DDD0A4E73C9E7963C21" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_E09EF1F4A7BB68BD9E5773C9E794D333" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Assets_5193835E24AA0DDD0A4E73C9E7963C21" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_B4575442768531DF254573C9E796EC73" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_397B175795BE707F829173C9E79459CF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_B4575442768531DF254573C9E796EC73" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_588D5E54DD8E0ACB66F173C9E796C2D7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_B4575442768531DF254573C9E796EC73" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_588D5E54DD8E0ACB66F173C9E796C2D7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent_A6F29B740437FFA74E3473C9E7966DDE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_588D5E54DD8E0ACB66F173C9E796C2D7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent_A6F29B740437FFA74E3473C9E7966DDE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_E813C6BEEFE6A46CD38373C9E797157A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_588D5E54DD8E0ACB66F173C9E796C2D7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_E813C6BEEFE6A46CD38373C9E797157A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredRevenueCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueCurrent_D5AB066B5DA1F2E0730A73C9E7979AAD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_588D5E54DD8E0ACB66F173C9E796C2D7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueCurrent_D5AB066B5DA1F2E0730A73C9E7979AAD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredRentCreditCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRentCreditCurrent_E8AEEF6F27EC633F766973C9E7975E47" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_588D5E54DD8E0ACB66F173C9E796C2D7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRentCreditCurrent_E8AEEF6F27EC633F766973C9E7975E47" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent_FDEC73D0621A4CE46D8D73C9E7974D52" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_588D5E54DD8E0ACB66F173C9E796C2D7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent_FDEC73D0621A4CE46D8D73C9E7974D52" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_F2CAD306289859C8B35073C9E79729FE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_588D5E54DD8E0ACB66F173C9E796C2D7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_F2CAD306289859C8B35073C9E79729FE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredRevenueNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueNoncurrent_E3E47C9D0393C4D83FAF73C9E7971A4C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_B4575442768531DF254573C9E796EC73" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueNoncurrent_E3E47C9D0393C4D83FAF73C9E7971A4C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nstg-20170930.xsd#nstg_DeferredRentCreditAndLiabilitiesOtherThanLongtermDebtNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_nstg_DeferredRentCreditAndLiabilitiesOtherThanLongtermDebtNoncurrent_75F7EF6C3765B67A594B73C9E797E5EC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_B4575442768531DF254573C9E796EC73" xlink:to="loc_nstg_DeferredRentCreditAndLiabilitiesOtherThanLongtermDebtNoncurrent_75F7EF6C3765B67A594B73C9E797E5EC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations_2DBC56FD7459587B618173C9E798E013" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_B4575442768531DF254573C9E796EC73" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations_2DBC56FD7459587B618173C9E798E013" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Liabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_0A024BD0004FE49AD17373C9E798F40F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_B4575442768531DF254573C9E796EC73" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_0A024BD0004FE49AD17373C9E798F40F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies_F8BAAA921EB80BBA538373C9E798FC6B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_B4575442768531DF254573C9E796EC73" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies_F8BAAA921EB80BBA538373C9E798FC6B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_ED8EE44E07A530109E7A73C9E79BE6FD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_B4575442768531DF254573C9E796EC73" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_ED8EE44E07A530109E7A73C9E79BE6FD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockValue_036A38601C4CEF2CAB7773C9E79C4CB8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_ED8EE44E07A530109E7A73C9E79BE6FD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockValue_036A38601C4CEF2CAB7773C9E79C4CB8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockValue_9B791F95CF40DF8100B673C9E79CB20B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_ED8EE44E07A530109E7A73C9E79BE6FD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockValue_9B791F95CF40DF8100B673C9E79CB20B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock_ACE08B3EDF108F7019A173C9E79C3EAC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_ED8EE44E07A530109E7A73C9E79BE6FD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock_ACE08B3EDF108F7019A173C9E79C3EAC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_1B70A3E727BF4CF5D87B73C9E79CD439" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_ED8EE44E07A530109E7A73C9E79BE6FD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_1B70A3E727BF4CF5D87B73C9E79CD439" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_743D9C5375FE636E9EB973C9E79CE01A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_ED8EE44E07A530109E7A73C9E79BE6FD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_743D9C5375FE636E9EB973C9E79CE01A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_F7C558F9D13BBD68B1BD73C9E79CF69C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_ED8EE44E07A530109E7A73C9E79BE6FD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_F7C558F9D13BBD68B1BD73C9E79CF69C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_950AD962A1C8730E6E3E73C9E79C247A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_B4575442768531DF254573C9E796EC73" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_950AD962A1C8730E6E3E73C9E79C247A" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nanostring.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_0E97A9E996F204CDAA5EAA5DEE7736EE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_7FBA5E7D87E8710073E4AA5DEE7786D7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_0E97A9E996F204CDAA5EAA5DEE7736EE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_7FBA5E7D87E8710073E4AA5DEE7786D7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_07CB0B201B0F27FA00D5AA5DEE77A173" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_0E97A9E996F204CDAA5EAA5DEE7736EE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_07CB0B201B0F27FA00D5AA5DEE77A173" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued_22CD68894E69957255A6AA5DEE77EA1F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_0E97A9E996F204CDAA5EAA5DEE7736EE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued_22CD68894E69957255A6AA5DEE77EA1F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_8F65CA0E8373E6689EDDAA5DEE772B20" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_0E97A9E996F204CDAA5EAA5DEE7736EE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_8F65CA0E8373E6689EDDAA5DEE772B20" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_3F81DE8CB0D71F07A3F8AA5DEE779E8C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_0E97A9E996F204CDAA5EAA5DEE7736EE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_3F81DE8CB0D71F07A3F8AA5DEE779E8C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_A2B232A41581DAB7751BAA5DEE7759F6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_0E97A9E996F204CDAA5EAA5DEE7736EE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_A2B232A41581DAB7751BAA5DEE7759F6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_20169BA485A6CFAF9BC6AA5DEE77109D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_0E97A9E996F204CDAA5EAA5DEE7736EE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_20169BA485A6CFAF9BC6AA5DEE77109D" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nanostring.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_0060FFB50AE370CD1E8794235FF1EFBB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInContinuingOperationsAbstract_CB23DF18E45538BD517F94235FF48320" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_0060FFB50AE370CD1E8794235FF1EFBB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInContinuingOperationsAbstract_CB23DF18E45538BD517F94235FF48320" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_C57DBA26C3807F55648D94235FF6DCF8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInContinuingOperationsAbstract_CB23DF18E45538BD517F94235FF48320" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_C57DBA26C3807F55648D94235FF6DCF8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_F781C4EBEE7EC807B47894235FF6F156" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInContinuingOperationsAbstract_CB23DF18E45538BD517F94235FF48320" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_F781C4EBEE7EC807B47894235FF6F156" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_9C3D299296F39059E4F494235FF68402" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_F781C4EBEE7EC807B47894235FF6F156" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_9C3D299296F39059E4F494235FF68402" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense_A8AA5B405FEE8BA47C9194235FF75948" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_F781C4EBEE7EC807B47894235FF6F156" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense_A8AA5B405FEE8BA47C9194235FF75948" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeNetAmortizationOfDiscountAndPremium" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeNetAmortizationOfDiscountAndPremium_51D9D769E0CFBEE3BACB94235FF7C361" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_F781C4EBEE7EC807B47894235FF6F156" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeNetAmortizationOfDiscountAndPremium_51D9D769E0CFBEE3BACB94235FF7C361" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nstg-20170930.xsd#nstg_InterestAccruedOnLongTermNotes" xlink:label="loc_nstg_InterestAccruedOnLongTermNotes_3F02AF0ECC250A54429E94235FF72B88" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_F781C4EBEE7EC807B47894235FF6F156" xlink:to="loc_nstg_InterestAccruedOnLongTermNotes_3F02AF0ECC250A54429E94235FF72B88" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nstg-20170930.xsd#nstg_ConversionOfAccruedInterestToLongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_nstg_ConversionOfAccruedInterestToLongTermDebt_D3FAE72FF3383C3EC41D94235FF7258E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_F781C4EBEE7EC807B47894235FF6F156" xlink:to="loc_nstg_ConversionOfAccruedInterestToLongTermDebt_D3FAE72FF3383C3EC41D94235FF7258E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts_C52F9BEFEB00C605A36594235FF710CB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_F781C4EBEE7EC807B47894235FF6F156" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts_C52F9BEFEB00C605A36594235FF710CB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1_907D91197C23E424F44F94235FF77AF5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_F781C4EBEE7EC807B47894235FF6F156" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1_907D91197C23E424F44F94235FF77AF5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_B9895C7C871F687AA41994235FFC60F6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInContinuingOperationsAbstract_CB23DF18E45538BD517F94235FF48320" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_B9895C7C871F687AA41994235FFC60F6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable_154FF971ED4AFF8F711194235FFC645E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_B9895C7C871F687AA41994235FFC60F6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable_154FF971ED4AFF8F711194235FFC645E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories_082E82CC9C4EA752805E94235FFCFBEB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_B9895C7C871F687AA41994235FFC60F6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories_082E82CC9C4EA752805E94235FFCFBEB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets_10EB634CEEE0B9FE5D0E94235FFDECB1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_B9895C7C871F687AA41994235FFC60F6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets_10EB634CEEE0B9FE5D0E94235FFDECB1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets_1B63D32CF92914C55B6694235FFD57BC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_B9895C7C871F687AA41994235FFC60F6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets_1B63D32CF92914C55B6694235FFD57BC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable_90EECA93061F40347E8E94235FFD2C3E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_B9895C7C871F687AA41994235FFC60F6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable_90EECA93061F40347E8E94235FFD2C3E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedLiabilities_6DA1DC4AABF6D48CED3B94235FFD1334" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_B9895C7C871F687AA41994235FFC60F6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedLiabilities_6DA1DC4AABF6D48CED3B94235FFD1334" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredRevenue_E68D15FA86DC4B96AA9294235FFD20CA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_B9895C7C871F687AA41994235FFC60F6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredRevenue_E68D15FA86DC4B96AA9294235FFD20CA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nstg-20170930.xsd#nstg_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredRentAndOtherOperatingLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_nstg_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredRentAndOtherOperatingLiabilities_D4C19BB069236968732F94235FFD4A52" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_B9895C7C871F687AA41994235FFC60F6" xlink:to="loc_nstg_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredRentAndOtherOperatingLiabilities_D4C19BB069236968732F94235FFD4A52" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_5229DEBA5DB5AFED2FC694235FFD92D1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInContinuingOperationsAbstract_CB23DF18E45538BD517F94235FF48320" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_5229DEBA5DB5AFED2FC694235FFD92D1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_6BC59C97C26A6F82039B94235FFD2C25" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_0060FFB50AE370CD1E8794235FF1EFBB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_6BC59C97C26A6F82039B94235FFD2C25" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment_40D060EE1698A657C3A994235FFD56CD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_6BC59C97C26A6F82039B94235FFD2C25" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment_40D060EE1698A657C3A994235FFD56CD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment_EBDD65054689BE08474194235FFD04D6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_6BC59C97C26A6F82039B94235FFD2C25" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment_EBDD65054689BE08474194235FFD04D6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfShortTermInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfShortTermInvestments_743185D4C15F01BC13C894235FFDAB2A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_6BC59C97C26A6F82039B94235FFD2C25" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfShortTermInvestments_743185D4C15F01BC13C894235FFDAB2A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromMaturitiesPrepaymentsAndCallsOfAvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromMaturitiesPrepaymentsAndCallsOfAvailableForSaleSecurities_8149BE60C13FB7C4262C94235FFD4CF2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_6BC59C97C26A6F82039B94235FFD2C25" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromMaturitiesPrepaymentsAndCallsOfAvailableForSaleSecurities_8149BE60C13FB7C4262C94235FFD4CF2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAvailableForSaleSecurities_1FBF0DA0AFFF04ECDD4794235FFDB5E6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_6BC59C97C26A6F82039B94235FFD2C25" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAvailableForSaleSecurities_1FBF0DA0AFFF04ECDD4794235FFDB5E6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_3E08E9ACC91B830275F394235FFD8A30" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_6BC59C97C26A6F82039B94235FFD2C25" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_3E08E9ACC91B830275F394235FFD8A30" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_93CABD0ACEF22B7E05B294235FFDC56F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_0060FFB50AE370CD1E8794235FF1EFBB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_93CABD0ACEF22B7E05B294235FFDC56F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt_C636B2ACE183F90D972894235FFE5DDA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_93CABD0ACEF22B7E05B294235FFDC56F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt_C636B2ACE183F90D972894235FFE5DDA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermCapitalLeaseObligations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermCapitalLeaseObligations_5833257B9004587E40D694235FFEA20E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_93CABD0ACEF22B7E05B294235FFDC56F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermCapitalLeaseObligations_5833257B9004587E40D694235FFEA20E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock_6EE430DF370B102E1FC494235FFE3A42" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_93CABD0ACEF22B7E05B294235FFDC56F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock_6EE430DF370B102E1FC494235FFE3A42" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfWarrants" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfWarrants_5A59F80B7CD003CBEB2194235FFEECD8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_93CABD0ACEF22B7E05B294235FFDC56F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfWarrants_5A59F80B7CD003CBEB2194235FFEECD8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentOfFinancingAndStockIssuanceCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentOfFinancingAndStockIssuanceCosts_8180B3F4C9387530703E94235FFE7BE6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_93CABD0ACEF22B7E05B294235FFDC56F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentOfFinancingAndStockIssuanceCosts_8180B3F4C9387530703E94235FFE7BE6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockValueSharesIssuedNetOfTaxWithholdings" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockValueSharesIssuedNetOfTaxWithholdings_50EF105D39C459A08F1794235FFEB970" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_93CABD0ACEF22B7E05B294235FFDC56F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockValueSharesIssuedNetOfTaxWithholdings_50EF105D39C459A08F1794235FFEB970" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfSharesUnderIncentiveAndShareBasedCompensationPlans" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfSharesUnderIncentiveAndShareBasedCompensationPlans_A309B77966912B398E6694235FFE8DE3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_93CABD0ACEF22B7E05B294235FFDC56F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfSharesUnderIncentiveAndShareBasedCompensationPlans_A309B77966912B398E6694235FFE8DE3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised_B9784C92CD554D4FF14294235FFE20FE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_93CABD0ACEF22B7E05B294235FFDC56F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised_B9784C92CD554D4FF14294235FFE20FE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_3940A4F944426B1F065F94235FFEB8F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_93CABD0ACEF22B7E05B294235FFDC56F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_3940A4F944426B1F065F94235FFEB8F3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseExcludingExchangeRateEffect" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseExcludingExchangeRateEffect_B5C5F2AB032D0DF251C694235FFE121B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_0060FFB50AE370CD1E8794235FF1EFBB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseExcludingExchangeRateEffect_B5C5F2AB032D0DF251C694235FFE121B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalents" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalents_4B055E00AC90EB4B923194235FFEA594" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_0060FFB50AE370CD1E8794235FF1EFBB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalents_4B055E00AC90EB4B923194235FFEA594" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValueAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValueAbstract_B8EFC65F16577DE96DA894235FFEB28A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_0060FFB50AE370CD1E8794235FF1EFBB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValueAbstract_B8EFC65F16577DE96DA894235FFEB28A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_CB6E5677845802C6E4EA942360038F85" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValueAbstract_B8EFC65F16577DE96DA894235FFEB28A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_CB6E5677845802C6E4EA942360038F85" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_ECA560EB7E602851F308942360043A3F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValueAbstract_B8EFC65F16577DE96DA894235FFEB28A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_ECA560EB7E602851F308942360043A3F" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nanostring.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveLoss" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_F7B1531CD98BB59E1265AA5DEE6E0AEA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_785AA82CCBB9A5D218A1AA5DEE6ECF7F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_F7B1531CD98BB59E1265AA5DEE6E0AEA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_785AA82CCBB9A5D218A1AA5DEE6ECF7F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax_0CAC4E794664FB86E44CAA5DEE6E6CB1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_F7B1531CD98BB59E1265AA5DEE6E0AEA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax_0CAC4E794664FB86E44CAA5DEE6E6CB1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax_0E2D01C34DE9C1E63E43AA5DEE6ED27A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_F7B1531CD98BB59E1265AA5DEE6E0AEA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax_0E2D01C34DE9C1E63E43AA5DEE6ED27A" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nanostring.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_5F9C7BE348C59AC3E44FAA5DEE731052" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_84B31D03D2DC8642B7A5AA5DEE73EA34" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_5F9C7BE348C59AC3E44FAA5DEE731052" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_84B31D03D2DC8642B7A5AA5DEE73EA34" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet_2CA2536E92AE646D3376AA5DEE73E85A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_84B31D03D2DC8642B7A5AA5DEE73EA34" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet_2CA2536E92AE646D3376AA5DEE73E85A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RecognitionOfDeferredRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RecognitionOfDeferredRevenue_A36DA4F2C96C1A6BB103AA5DEE7318E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_84B31D03D2DC8642B7A5AA5DEE73EA34" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RecognitionOfDeferredRevenue_A36DA4F2C96C1A6BB103AA5DEE7318E5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_D54BF29D24A48B6A94CDAA5DEE73C787" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_84B31D03D2DC8642B7A5AA5DEE73EA34" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_D54BF29D24A48B6A94CDAA5DEE73C787" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_71A6004AED2BDB20304BAA5DEE73596C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_5F9C7BE348C59AC3E44FAA5DEE731052" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_71A6004AED2BDB20304BAA5DEE73596C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostOfRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostOfRevenue_47150541532ECAAD9FE5AA5DEE733F39" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_71A6004AED2BDB20304BAA5DEE73596C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostOfRevenue_47150541532ECAAD9FE5AA5DEE733F39" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense_DD8A6E0D591B7854B2ADAA5DEE737C32" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_71A6004AED2BDB20304BAA5DEE73596C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense_DD8A6E0D591B7854B2ADAA5DEE737C32" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_D7F7EA96AF261D514AEBAA5DEE73EF83" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_71A6004AED2BDB20304BAA5DEE73596C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_D7F7EA96AF261D514AEBAA5DEE73EF83" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_95DB822815617B95C6CCAA5DEE738ECE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_71A6004AED2BDB20304BAA5DEE73596C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_95DB822815617B95C6CCAA5DEE738ECE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_F700F6A3FB6BC29B78C0AA5DEE736C77" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_5F9C7BE348C59AC3E44FAA5DEE731052" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_F700F6A3FB6BC29B78C0AA5DEE736C77" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherIncomeAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherIncomeAndExpensesAbstract_6921D29A8272F2245C4FAA5DEE745C1B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_5F9C7BE348C59AC3E44FAA5DEE731052" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherIncomeAndExpensesAbstract_6921D29A8272F2245C4FAA5DEE745C1B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest_35B21D0F6DFC2EE3B303AA5DEE74BE3E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherIncomeAndExpensesAbstract_6921D29A8272F2245C4FAA5DEE745C1B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest_35B21D0F6DFC2EE3B303AA5DEE74BE3E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInvestmentExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInvestmentExpense_A7764FA2E6E2C94B7D42AA5DEE7412DB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherIncomeAndExpensesAbstract_6921D29A8272F2245C4FAA5DEE745C1B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInvestmentExpense_A7764FA2E6E2C94B7D42AA5DEE7412DB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense_31CD131B0EB06A3A4F41AA5DEE745065" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherIncomeAndExpensesAbstract_6921D29A8272F2245C4FAA5DEE745C1B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense_31CD131B0EB06A3A4F41AA5DEE745065" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense_FFFC01820CCBB56C2C70AA5DEE74084B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherIncomeAndExpensesAbstract_6921D29A8272F2245C4FAA5DEE745C1B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense_FFFC01820CCBB56C2C70AA5DEE74084B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_6940201995D5F7F74D62AA5DEE74E663" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_5F9C7BE348C59AC3E44FAA5DEE731052" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_6940201995D5F7F74D62AA5DEE74E663" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_5C0F7B36992B8B64628CAA5DEE740D0E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_5F9C7BE348C59AC3E44FAA5DEE731052" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_5C0F7B36992B8B64628CAA5DEE740D0E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_AE57D2533E8F3AF2BE99AA5DEE743829" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_5F9C7BE348C59AC3E44FAA5DEE731052" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_AE57D2533E8F3AF2BE99AA5DEE743829" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDiluted" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDiluted_C90216BA7EB121745526AA5DEE746574" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_5F9C7BE348C59AC3E44FAA5DEE731052" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDiluted_C90216BA7EB121745526AA5DEE746574" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfShareOutstandingBasicAndDiluted" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfShareOutstandingBasicAndDiluted_B414BB408ED14A3F221FAA5DEE745362" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_5F9C7BE348C59AC3E44FAA5DEE731052" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfShareOutstandingBasicAndDiluted_B414BB408ED14A3F221FAA5DEE745362" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nanostring.com/role/DescriptionOfBusiness" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_BAE31DA59F8C8FA525A4AA5DEE62FB3F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessDescriptionAndBasisOfPresentationTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessDescriptionAndBasisOfPresentationTextBlock_FE593A1B18591858A9A9AA5DEE62E966" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_BAE31DA59F8C8FA525A4AA5DEE62FB3F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessDescriptionAndBasisOfPresentationTextBlock_FE593A1B18591858A9A9AA5DEE62E966" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nanostring.com/role/DescriptionOfBusinessAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_EAFA5BDB1C7DDDBF0706BD1D7622B30F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsidiaryOrEquityMethodInvesteeSaleOfStockBySubsidiaryOrEquityInvesteeTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiaryOrEquityMethodInvesteeSaleOfStockBySubsidiaryOrEquityInvesteeTable_EC7EB0FD710CCD6234C2BD1D7622DF58" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_EAFA5BDB1C7DDDBF0706BD1D7622B30F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiaryOrEquityMethodInvesteeSaleOfStockBySubsidiaryOrEquityInvesteeTable_EC7EB0FD710CCD6234C2BD1D7622DF58" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis_E1A6A96EB60649DFA6F8BD1D76236567" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiaryOrEquityMethodInvesteeSaleOfStockBySubsidiaryOrEquityInvesteeTable_EC7EB0FD710CCD6234C2BD1D7622DF58" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis_E1A6A96EB60649DFA6F8BD1D76236567" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_285A4C07D39CF5A5CE43BD1D7623F6FE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis_E1A6A96EB60649DFA6F8BD1D76236567" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_285A4C07D39CF5A5CE43BD1D7623F6FE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OverAllotmentOptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OverAllotmentOptionMember_456D24F332DBE92937DBBD1D762355C9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_285A4C07D39CF5A5CE43BD1D7623F6FE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OverAllotmentOptionMember_456D24F332DBE92937DBBD1D762355C9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems_C181EF03BC16ED9C8FE6BD1D7623837B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiaryOrEquityMethodInvesteeSaleOfStockBySubsidiaryOrEquityInvesteeTable_EC7EB0FD710CCD6234C2BD1D7622DF58" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems_C181EF03BC16ED9C8FE6BD1D7623837B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsidiaryOrEquityMethodInvesteeCumulativeProceedsReceivedOnAllTransactions" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiaryOrEquityMethodInvesteeCumulativeProceedsReceivedOnAllTransactions_5BFDBAF2290ABBE67B68BD1D76231209" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems_C181EF03BC16ED9C8FE6BD1D7623837B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiaryOrEquityMethodInvesteeCumulativeProceedsReceivedOnAllTransactions_5BFDBAF2290ABBE67B68BD1D76231209" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SaleOfStockConsiderationReceivedOnTransaction" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockConsiderationReceivedOnTransaction_90988D207E102C6CD64BBD1D762383B0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems_C181EF03BC16ED9C8FE6BD1D7623837B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockConsiderationReceivedOnTransaction_90988D207E102C6CD64BBD1D762383B0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SaleOfStockNumberOfSharesIssuedInTransaction" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNumberOfSharesIssuedInTransaction_347C8DDD5C973CB29358BD1D7623AB26" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems_C181EF03BC16ED9C8FE6BD1D7623837B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNumberOfSharesIssuedInTransaction_347C8DDD5C973CB29358BD1D7623AB26" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nanostring.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="nstg-20170930.xsd#nstg_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" xlink:label="loc_nstg_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract_A4E06923D1AE3A88DDA1AA5DEE84CD2D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentType" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentType_1CE244EEA84B211D3686AA5DEE843512" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nstg_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract_A4E06923D1AE3A88DDA1AA5DEE84CD2D" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentType_1CE244EEA84B211D3686AA5DEE843512" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_AmendmentFlag" xlink:label="loc_dei_AmendmentFlag_3B4464F229F77311C921AA5DEE840B7C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nstg_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract_A4E06923D1AE3A88DDA1AA5DEE84CD2D" xlink:to="loc_dei_AmendmentFlag_3B4464F229F77311C921AA5DEE840B7C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate_A851B54124E8C7456A37AA5DEE8450E7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nstg_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract_A4E06923D1AE3A88DDA1AA5DEE84CD2D" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate_A851B54124E8C7456A37AA5DEE8450E7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus_ADFB0BECF7E470EFA590AA5DEE8558DA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nstg_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract_A4E06923D1AE3A88DDA1AA5DEE84CD2D" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus_ADFB0BECF7E470EFA590AA5DEE8558DA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus_FA872A99A80318807EBEAA5DEE85D99D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nstg_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract_A4E06923D1AE3A88DDA1AA5DEE84CD2D" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus_FA872A99A80318807EBEAA5DEE85D99D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_TradingSymbol" xlink:label="loc_dei_TradingSymbol_FCC61E74CA19E4779730AA5DEE854A44" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nstg_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract_A4E06923D1AE3A88DDA1AA5DEE84CD2D" xlink:to="loc_dei_TradingSymbol_FCC61E74CA19E4779730AA5DEE854A44" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityRegistrantName" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityRegistrantName_119E9D9906C8A2DFA0E7AA5DEE853B02" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nstg_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract_A4E06923D1AE3A88DDA1AA5DEE84CD2D" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityRegistrantName_119E9D9906C8A2DFA0E7AA5DEE853B02" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityCentralIndexKey" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityCentralIndexKey_FCDFF241FEE89FC55EECAA5DEE853693" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nstg_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract_A4E06923D1AE3A88DDA1AA5DEE84CD2D" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityCentralIndexKey_FCDFF241FEE89FC55EECAA5DEE853693" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate" xlink:label="loc_dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate_7E20CEA96B3DFE2B5768AA5DEE854226" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nstg_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract_A4E06923D1AE3A88DDA1AA5DEE84CD2D" xlink:to="loc_dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate_7E20CEA96B3DFE2B5768AA5DEE854226" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityFilerCategory" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityFilerCategory_050DC1D64828A300C6B3AA5DEE8545E3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nstg_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract_A4E06923D1AE3A88DDA1AA5DEE84CD2D" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityFilerCategory_050DC1D64828A300C6B3AA5DEE8545E3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding_F50124216FBE3D91DE93AA5DEE858021" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nstg_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract_A4E06923D1AE3A88DDA1AA5DEE84CD2D" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding_F50124216FBE3D91DE93AA5DEE858021" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nanostring.com/role/FairValueMeasurements" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_26ADC32418686FF69F28AA5DEE3DC6D7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresTextBlock_A2EC8A2A51B35421187BAA5DEE3DA9A3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_26ADC32418686FF69F28AA5DEE3DC6D7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresTextBlock_A2EC8A2A51B35421187BAA5DEE3DA9A3" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nanostring.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsCompanysAvailableForSaleSecuritiesByLevelWithinFairValueHierarchyDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_5C960B09BD491993528EAA5DEE39A204" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_387661B6A222AB07EFBCAA5DEE394E8D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_5C960B09BD491993528EAA5DEE39A204" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_387661B6A222AB07EFBCAA5DEE394E8D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_BB4C42D04734CC644ECEAA5DEE390E0C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_387661B6A222AB07EFBCAA5DEE394E8D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_BB4C42D04734CC644ECEAA5DEE390E0C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_4F6937C83CA1909A97F4AA5DEE395767" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_BB4C42D04734CC644ECEAA5DEE390E0C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_4F6937C83CA1909A97F4AA5DEE395767" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_BE667425DAEDACE100F3AA5DEE39DD59" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_4F6937C83CA1909A97F4AA5DEE395767" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_BE667425DAEDACE100F3AA5DEE39DD59" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_B16EB1DC5CFC05688679AA5DEE39F385" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_4F6937C83CA1909A97F4AA5DEE395767" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_B16EB1DC5CFC05688679AA5DEE39F385" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_3D67DB6C2B4894CFD544AA5DEE3978EF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_4F6937C83CA1909A97F4AA5DEE395767" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_3D67DB6C2B4894CFD544AA5DEE3978EF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAxis_44D8EFEA2E99A898F795AA5DEE393A73" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_387661B6A222AB07EFBCAA5DEE394E8D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAxis_44D8EFEA2E99A898F795AA5DEE393A73" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsMember_957A87266BA14B7A8140AA5DEE399963" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAxis_44D8EFEA2E99A898F795AA5DEE393A73" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsMember_957A87266BA14B7A8140AA5DEE399963" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsMember_87BFAEB0F99A1486C0FDAA5DEE394F78" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsMember_957A87266BA14B7A8140AA5DEE399963" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsMember_87BFAEB0F99A1486C0FDAA5DEE394F78" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_6ACA5E8EC464871C53B7AA5DEE39783E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_387661B6A222AB07EFBCAA5DEE394E8D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_6ACA5E8EC464871C53B7AA5DEE39783E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_34C419EA3905F27AC7BFAA5DEE39AB60" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_6ACA5E8EC464871C53B7AA5DEE39783E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_34C419EA3905F27AC7BFAA5DEE39AB60" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_F2161530F699B03EF44FAA5DEE391405" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_34C419EA3905F27AC7BFAA5DEE39AB60" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_F2161530F699B03EF44FAA5DEE391405" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember_C44B5AB05E8CEA3C38D9AA5DEE3A2D8A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_34C419EA3905F27AC7BFAA5DEE39AB60" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember_C44B5AB05E8CEA3C38D9AA5DEE3A2D8A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_F2EA115F901A0BB442ADAA5DEE3A02B9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_387661B6A222AB07EFBCAA5DEE394E8D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_F2EA115F901A0BB442ADAA5DEE3A02B9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure_BC2C05FEAC4AC3C693A6AA5DEE3A3C07" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_F2EA115F901A0BB442ADAA5DEE3A02B9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure_BC2C05FEAC4AC3C693A6AA5DEE3A3C07" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesCurrent_BD56145BD03E574C791EAA5DEE3AE7A2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_F2EA115F901A0BB442ADAA5DEE3A02B9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesCurrent_BD56145BD03E574C791EAA5DEE3AE7A2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure_1B8D3020554157800C2EAA5DEE3AD962" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_F2EA115F901A0BB442ADAA5DEE3A02B9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure_1B8D3020554157800C2EAA5DEE3AD962" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nanostring.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_0A463ACE1497258671E1AA5DEE3BDD01" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTextBlock_3FE13331A4BF7362D296AA5DEE3B68AF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_0A463ACE1497258671E1AA5DEE3BDD01" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTextBlock_3FE13331A4BF7362D296AA5DEE3B68AF" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nanostring.com/role/InformationAboutGeographicAreas" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract_8B32B33BC24D25C197A9AA5DEE12564E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingDisclosureTextBlock_178C85505A173B493982AA5DEE127978" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract_8B32B33BC24D25C197A9AA5DEE12564E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingDisclosureTextBlock_178C85505A173B493982AA5DEE127978" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nanostring.com/role/InformationAboutGeographicAreasAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract_063A54CC238A19E7DEE2AA5DEE0F0003" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRevenuesFromExternalCustomersAndLongLivedAssetsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRevenuesFromExternalCustomersAndLongLivedAssetsTable_23DE9AC6876657AE9ED1AA5DEE0F6A57" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract_063A54CC238A19E7DEE2AA5DEE0F0003" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRevenuesFromExternalCustomersAndLongLivedAssetsTable_23DE9AC6876657AE9ED1AA5DEE0F6A57" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_60A44404E5E08F8E62E0AA5DEE0F5838" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRevenuesFromExternalCustomersAndLongLivedAssetsTable_23DE9AC6876657AE9ED1AA5DEE0F6A57" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_60A44404E5E08F8E62E0AA5DEE0F5838" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_561DBEB3C1F3CACA4F6EAA5DEE0F931A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_60A44404E5E08F8E62E0AA5DEE0F5838" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_561DBEB3C1F3CACA4F6EAA5DEE0F931A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/country/2017/country-2017-01-31.xsd#country_US" xlink:label="loc_country_US_BB705FE29A1F5755B4BFAA5DEE0FFE3D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_561DBEB3C1F3CACA4F6EAA5DEE0F931A" xlink:to="loc_country_US_BB705FE29A1F5755B4BFAA5DEE0FFE3D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenuesFromExternalCustomersAndLongLivedAssetsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesFromExternalCustomersAndLongLivedAssetsLineItems_26367CCBE1AE990111F7AA5DEE0FE91B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRevenuesFromExternalCustomersAndLongLivedAssetsTable_23DE9AC6876657AE9ED1AA5DEE0F6A57" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesFromExternalCustomersAndLongLivedAssetsLineItems_26367CCBE1AE990111F7AA5DEE0FE91B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nstg-20170930.xsd#nstg_NumberOfSalesForces" xlink:label="loc_nstg_NumberOfSalesForces_F6FBD08B9FC4DFA9141DAA5DEE0FE880" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesFromExternalCustomersAndLongLivedAssetsLineItems_26367CCBE1AE990111F7AA5DEE0FE91B" xlink:to="loc_nstg_NumberOfSalesForces_F6FBD08B9FC4DFA9141DAA5DEE0FE880" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments_24D47A1AC839848D41E8AA5DEE0F328C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesFromExternalCustomersAndLongLivedAssetsLineItems_26367CCBE1AE990111F7AA5DEE0FE91B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments_24D47A1AC839848D41E8AA5DEE0F328C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_2F776502E920062C7E9CAA5DEE0FE864" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesFromExternalCustomersAndLongLivedAssetsLineItems_26367CCBE1AE990111F7AA5DEE0FE91B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_2F776502E920062C7E9CAA5DEE0FE864" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nanostring.com/role/InformationAboutGeographicAreasClassificationOfRevenueByGeographyDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract_105BD918EE400D8D43E9AA5DEE0A5E1E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRevenuesFromExternalCustomersAndLongLivedAssetsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRevenuesFromExternalCustomersAndLongLivedAssetsTable_0F4521290980DACDAB57AA5DEE0A91D9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract_105BD918EE400D8D43E9AA5DEE0A5E1E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRevenuesFromExternalCustomersAndLongLivedAssetsTable_0F4521290980DACDAB57AA5DEE0A91D9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_D0AA1496E81586A84D6DAA5DEE0A57ED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRevenuesFromExternalCustomersAndLongLivedAssetsTable_0F4521290980DACDAB57AA5DEE0A91D9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_D0AA1496E81586A84D6DAA5DEE0A57ED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_3C15900E5784D9A43AE8AA5DEE0A9650" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_D0AA1496E81586A84D6DAA5DEE0A57ED" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_3C15900E5784D9A43AE8AA5DEE0A9650" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmericasMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AmericasMember_F2722E2CA6F0E8834678AA5DEE0A1273" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_3C15900E5784D9A43AE8AA5DEE0A9650" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AmericasMember_F2722E2CA6F0E8834678AA5DEE0A1273" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EMEAMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EMEAMember_AB02FCF5916C4A14BCD8AA5DEE0C0100" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_3C15900E5784D9A43AE8AA5DEE0A9650" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EMEAMember_AB02FCF5916C4A14BCD8AA5DEE0C0100" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AsiaPacificMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AsiaPacificMember_E9D8C151A0020CE2B8AAAA5DEE0C9E1A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_3C15900E5784D9A43AE8AA5DEE0A9650" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AsiaPacificMember_E9D8C151A0020CE2B8AAAA5DEE0C9E1A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenuesFromExternalCustomersAndLongLivedAssetsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesFromExternalCustomersAndLongLivedAssetsLineItems_A0030F0B0F38280D17E8AA5DEE0CB940" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRevenuesFromExternalCustomersAndLongLivedAssetsTable_0F4521290980DACDAB57AA5DEE0A91D9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesFromExternalCustomersAndLongLivedAssetsLineItems_A0030F0B0F38280D17E8AA5DEE0CB940" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_5C691389141CECF3DE9DAA5DEE0C81F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesFromExternalCustomersAndLongLivedAssetsLineItems_A0030F0B0F38280D17E8AA5DEE0CB940" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_5C691389141CECF3DE9DAA5DEE0C81F3" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nanostring.com/role/InformationAboutGeographicAreasTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract_F0E1BECEEFBCC4BF55DDAA5DEE11D477" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromExternalCustomersByGeographicAreasTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromExternalCustomersByGeographicAreasTableTextBlock_05DC96C985AD4760BDCCAA5DEE11716E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract_F0E1BECEEFBCC4BF55DDAA5DEE11D477" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromExternalCustomersByGeographicAreasTableTextBlock_05DC96C985AD4760BDCCAA5DEE11716E" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nanostring.com/role/Inventory" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InventoryDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InventoryDisclosureAbstract_28A05C5A98D9D840ED5DAA5DEE35D602" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InventoryDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InventoryDisclosureTextBlock_2984A322AC096AF23CC8AA5DEE358484" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InventoryDisclosureAbstract_28A05C5A98D9D840ED5DAA5DEE35D602" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InventoryDisclosureTextBlock_2984A322AC096AF23CC8AA5DEE358484" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nanostring.com/role/InventoryScheduleOfInventoryDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InventoryDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InventoryDisclosureAbstract_A12D432D809B264A2650AA5DEE32F9B5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InventoryRawMaterialsNetOfReserves" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InventoryRawMaterialsNetOfReserves_CBB6CD97E9CD702759E1AA5DEE3284CA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InventoryDisclosureAbstract_A12D432D809B264A2650AA5DEE32F9B5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InventoryRawMaterialsNetOfReserves_CBB6CD97E9CD702759E1AA5DEE3284CA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InventoryWorkInProcessNetOfReserves" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InventoryWorkInProcessNetOfReserves_A2089BAF955482562707AA5DEE327753" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InventoryDisclosureAbstract_A12D432D809B264A2650AA5DEE32F9B5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InventoryWorkInProcessNetOfReserves_A2089BAF955482562707AA5DEE327753" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InventoryFinishedGoodsNetOfReserves" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InventoryFinishedGoodsNetOfReserves_EA2E4B5EA50E256FD359AA5DEE32A19D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InventoryDisclosureAbstract_A12D432D809B264A2650AA5DEE32F9B5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InventoryFinishedGoodsNetOfReserves_EA2E4B5EA50E256FD359AA5DEE32A19D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InventoryNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InventoryNet_E02FA6896C94B1966F64AA5DEE324E50" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InventoryDisclosureAbstract_A12D432D809B264A2650AA5DEE32F9B5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InventoryNet_E02FA6896C94B1966F64AA5DEE324E50" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nanostring.com/role/InventoryTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InventoryDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InventoryDisclosureAbstract_F3A204C581A20361E367AA5DEE342C6A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfInventoryCurrentTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInventoryCurrentTableTextBlock_E82A1EE26858C2F4CCA7AA5DEE346401" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InventoryDisclosureAbstract_F3A204C581A20361E367AA5DEE342C6A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInventoryCurrentTableTextBlock_E82A1EE26858C2F4CCA7AA5DEE346401" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nanostring.com/role/LongTermDebtAndLeaseFinancingObligations" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_DEDBF3D87E1807419979AA5DEE30B79F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureTextBlock_C214F3BE6F726953C0C3AA5DEE30A086" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_DEDBF3D87E1807419979AA5DEE30B79F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureTextBlock_C214F3BE6F726953C0C3AA5DEE30A086" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nanostring.com/role/LongTermDebtAndLeaseFinancingObligationsAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_52C58B24AE5C2059AD6C92F68D92CE85" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_0DD660F21D7A7DC70F5092F68D92AF34" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_52C58B24AE5C2059AD6C92F68D92CE85" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_0DD660F21D7A7DC70F5092F68D92AF34" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_E96CFBF873689ED5EF4C92F68D9319F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_0DD660F21D7A7DC70F5092F68D92AF34" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_E96CFBF873689ED5EF4C92F68D9319F3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_B0B6289BC7FE06FA81BB92F68D93CECB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_E96CFBF873689ED5EF4C92F68D9319F3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_B0B6289BC7FE06FA81BB92F68D93CECB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nstg-20170930.xsd#nstg_TermLoanAgreementMember" xlink:label="loc_nstg_TermLoanAgreementMember_E1654C480D09413C897192F68D93D227" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_B0B6289BC7FE06FA81BB92F68D93CECB" xlink:to="loc_nstg_TermLoanAgreementMember_E1654C480D09413C897192F68D93D227" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_0898CD54397BB05A9E7792F68D9373B8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_0DD660F21D7A7DC70F5092F68D92AF34" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_0898CD54397BB05A9E7792F68D9373B8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_9E9C9C6EB867165E7E8292F68D93EBDF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_0898CD54397BB05A9E7792F68D9373B8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_9E9C9C6EB867165E7E8292F68D93EBDF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_DD66A2A7C1DBC55204E092F68D9392A5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_9E9C9C6EB867165E7E8292F68D93EBDF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_DD66A2A7C1DBC55204E092F68D9392A5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_EC3DEA083E42127FDBA292F68D9345A4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_0DD660F21D7A7DC70F5092F68D92AF34" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_EC3DEA083E42127FDBA292F68D9345A4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_585403FB66DD6069A2F292F68D9381FB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_EC3DEA083E42127FDBA292F68D9345A4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_585403FB66DD6069A2F292F68D9381FB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_8ABB984F3B62DE875AAA92F68D9314A7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_0DD660F21D7A7DC70F5092F68D92AF34" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_8ABB984F3B62DE875AAA92F68D9314A7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_EEF1CAC00A07C0DAD24092F68D93B487" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_8ABB984F3B62DE875AAA92F68D9314A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_EEF1CAC00A07C0DAD24092F68D93B487" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nstg-20170930.xsd#nstg_LineCreditFacilityAdditionalBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="loc_nstg_LineCreditFacilityAdditionalBorrowingCapacity_4EFF8D4F20DEC4B7D65492F68D93A87C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_8ABB984F3B62DE875AAA92F68D9314A7" xlink:to="loc_nstg_LineCreditFacilityAdditionalBorrowingCapacity_4EFF8D4F20DEC4B7D65492F68D93A87C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnusedBorrowingCapacityAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnusedBorrowingCapacityAmount_04F6A2E04F9CDA62B3AE92F921CF6718" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_8ABB984F3B62DE875AAA92F68D9314A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnusedBorrowingCapacityAmount_04F6A2E04F9CDA62B3AE92F921CF6718" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtPercentageBearingFixedInterestRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtPercentageBearingFixedInterestRate_F66AB024563B578E2A9692F68D936FB8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_8ABB984F3B62DE875AAA92F68D9314A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtPercentageBearingFixedInterestRate_F66AB024563B578E2A9692F68D936FB8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nstg-20170930.xsd#nstg_DeferredPaymentObligationAccruedInterestRate" xlink:label="loc_nstg_DeferredPaymentObligationAccruedInterestRate_FC0EB324BC58319552D992F68D9487E3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_8ABB984F3B62DE875AAA92F68D9314A7" xlink:to="loc_nstg_DeferredPaymentObligationAccruedInterestRate_FC0EB324BC58319552D992F68D9487E3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nstg-20170930.xsd#nstg_DebtInstrumentInterestDeferralPeriod" xlink:label="loc_nstg_DebtInstrumentInterestDeferralPeriod_6DA96D07B787E0A79ECC92F68D94BE18" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_8ABB984F3B62DE875AAA92F68D9314A7" xlink:to="loc_nstg_DebtInstrumentInterestDeferralPeriod_6DA96D07B787E0A79ECC92F68D94BE18" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nstg-20170930.xsd#nstg_DebtDeferredInterestPayment" xlink:label="loc_nstg_DebtDeferredInterestPayment_EF92243C8A424DDBAE5B92F68D94337F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_8ABB984F3B62DE875AAA92F68D9314A7" xlink:to="loc_nstg_DebtDeferredInterestPayment_EF92243C8A424DDBAE5B92F68D94337F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansPayable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoansPayable_7D1C5E7A0D9B2C97739C92F68D9460F1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_8ABB984F3B62DE875AAA92F68D9314A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoansPayable_7D1C5E7A0D9B2C97739C92F68D9460F1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nstg-20170930.xsd#nstg_DebtInstrumentInterestPaymentPeriod" xlink:label="loc_nstg_DebtInstrumentInterestPaymentPeriod_688D6229A32525DA22EE92F68D945FF7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_8ABB984F3B62DE875AAA92F68D9314A7" xlink:to="loc_nstg_DebtInstrumentInterestPaymentPeriod_688D6229A32525DA22EE92F68D945FF7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nstg-20170930.xsd#nstg_DebtInstrumentNumberOfInstallmentsDuringEighthYearOfTerm" xlink:label="loc_nstg_DebtInstrumentNumberOfInstallmentsDuringEighthYearOfTerm_DABBA127D3162EFB582B92F68D94078E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_8ABB984F3B62DE875AAA92F68D9314A7" xlink:to="loc_nstg_DebtInstrumentNumberOfInstallmentsDuringEighthYearOfTerm_DABBA127D3162EFB582B92F68D94078E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentage_08C1FE6A063BC9A6243C92F68D9496F7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_8ABB984F3B62DE875AAA92F68D9314A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentage_08C1FE6A063BC9A6243C92F68D9496F7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nstg-20170930.xsd#nstg_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPriceAnnualPercentageDecrease" xlink:label="loc_nstg_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPriceAnnualPercentageDecrease_1DF490C1A287EDF4C21E92F68D94F871" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_8ABB984F3B62DE875AAA92F68D9314A7" xlink:to="loc_nstg_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPriceAnnualPercentageDecrease_1DF490C1A287EDF4C21E92F68D94F871" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFeePercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFeePercentage_627ADC3FC0A18B7FBFAD92F68D943C63" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_8ABB984F3B62DE875AAA92F68D9314A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFeePercentage_627ADC3FC0A18B7FBFAD92F68D943C63" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermLineOfCredit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermLineOfCredit_BF8DCA9C739612FDB3E992F68D940266" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_8ABB984F3B62DE875AAA92F68D9314A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermLineOfCredit_BF8DCA9C739612FDB3E992F68D940266" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nstg-20170930.xsd#nstg_MinimumLiquidityCovenantAmount" xlink:label="loc_nstg_MinimumLiquidityCovenantAmount_A4532B091E5126B40C6E92F68D9447AD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="15" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_8ABB984F3B62DE875AAA92F68D9314A7" xlink:to="loc_nstg_MinimumLiquidityCovenantAmount_A4532B091E5126B40C6E92F68D9447AD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueRecognitionMilestoneMethodRevenueRecognized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueRecognitionMilestoneMethodRevenueRecognized_6C331D386A3955E55E1692F68D945E19" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="16" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_8ABB984F3B62DE875AAA92F68D9314A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueRecognitionMilestoneMethodRevenueRecognized_6C331D386A3955E55E1692F68D945E19" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nstg-20170930.xsd#nstg_IncreasedAnnualRevenues" xlink:label="loc_nstg_IncreasedAnnualRevenues_E9AA61DBF9AF5533901492F68D940A83" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="17" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_8ABB984F3B62DE875AAA92F68D9314A7" xlink:to="loc_nstg_IncreasedAnnualRevenues_E9AA61DBF9AF5533901492F68D940A83" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nanostring.com/role/LongTermDebtAndLeaseFinancingObligationsComponentsOfBorrowingsIncludingCurrentPortionDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_907DEE0A091E28E54922BD1D7591683A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_6F46CC9011BF5B53A953BD1D75911AE5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_907DEE0A091E28E54922BD1D7591683A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_6F46CC9011BF5B53A953BD1D75911AE5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_1B3580E03D9CE093DC17BD1D7591285C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_6F46CC9011BF5B53A953BD1D75911AE5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_1B3580E03D9CE093DC17BD1D7591285C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_932B27F27DC2B06F48B3BD1D759160DB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_1B3580E03D9CE093DC17BD1D7591285C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_932B27F27DC2B06F48B3BD1D759160DB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nstg-20170930.xsd#nstg_TermLoanAgreementMember" xlink:label="loc_nstg_TermLoanAgreementMember_54AAE549DB3AEB30601FBD1D7592FD70" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_932B27F27DC2B06F48B3BD1D759160DB" xlink:to="loc_nstg_TermLoanAgreementMember_54AAE549DB3AEB30601FBD1D7592FD70" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D969FDE7702D352284B3BD1D75928A63" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_6F46CC9011BF5B53A953BD1D75911AE5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D969FDE7702D352284B3BD1D75928A63" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansPayable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoansPayable_6062F997BED0A553D9D2BD1D7592B7F9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D969FDE7702D352284B3BD1D75928A63" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoansPayable_6062F997BED0A553D9D2BD1D7592B7F9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligations_A235BCE360139455B8AEBD1D7592C08D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D969FDE7702D352284B3BD1D75928A63" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligations_A235BCE360139455B8AEBD1D7592C08D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_97CB8B8E32513CC2CF7ABD1D7592A108" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D969FDE7702D352284B3BD1D75928A63" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_97CB8B8E32513CC2CF7ABD1D7592A108" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnamortizedDebtIssuanceExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnamortizedDebtIssuanceExpense_55A4222E2EF5198435DEBD1D75923736" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D969FDE7702D352284B3BD1D75928A63" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnamortizedDebtIssuanceExpense_55A4222E2EF5198435DEBD1D75923736" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent_C6006FE289CE392B535ABD1D75927A8B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D969FDE7702D352284B3BD1D75928A63" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent_C6006FE289CE392B535ABD1D75927A8B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations_8F4CDE82B4B40C554068BD1D759283FA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D969FDE7702D352284B3BD1D75928A63" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations_8F4CDE82B4B40C554068BD1D759283FA" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nanostring.com/role/LongTermDebtAndLeaseFinancingObligationsScheduledFuturePrincipalPaymentsUnderOutstandingDebtObligationsDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_C598FD2E2A8DB2184FC9AA5DEE21CABF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalRemainderOfFiscalYear" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalRemainderOfFiscalYear_CBE24B33465CA3679993AA5DEE22C0EB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_C598FD2E2A8DB2184FC9AA5DEE21CABF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalRemainderOfFiscalYear_CBE24B33465CA3679993AA5DEE22C0EB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwo" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwo_B4CE8F3612B7749CB82DAA5DEE224B38" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_C598FD2E2A8DB2184FC9AA5DEE21CABF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwo_B4CE8F3612B7749CB82DAA5DEE224B38" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThree" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThree_6E6DA9A42EB6E709A6ABAA5DEE2296E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_C598FD2E2A8DB2184FC9AA5DEE21CABF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThree_6E6DA9A42EB6E709A6ABAA5DEE2296E5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFour" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFour_B5AC877EA0915000FC77AA5DEE22D590" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_C598FD2E2A8DB2184FC9AA5DEE21CABF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFour_B5AC877EA0915000FC77AA5DEE22D590" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFive" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFive_417AECCE431ACD962B67AA5DEE227548" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_C598FD2E2A8DB2184FC9AA5DEE21CABF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFive_417AECCE431ACD962B67AA5DEE227548" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalAfterYearFive" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalAfterYearFive_36B30D2DCEC4481C08FAAA5DEE22286C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_C598FD2E2A8DB2184FC9AA5DEE21CABF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalAfterYearFive_36B30D2DCEC4481C08FAAA5DEE22286C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_324F40A91F93F69F3A45AA5DEE2235EF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_C598FD2E2A8DB2184FC9AA5DEE21CABF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_324F40A91F93F69F3A45AA5DEE2235EF" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nanostring.com/role/LongTermDebtAndLeaseFinancingObligationsTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_E30A4A7D39DD993D903DAA5DEE2EB3C7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDebtTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDebtTableTextBlock_A63F6E9A343A4487B454AA5DEE2EC171" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_E30A4A7D39DD993D903DAA5DEE2EB3C7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDebtTableTextBlock_A63F6E9A343A4487B454AA5DEE2EC171" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfMaturitiesOfLongTermDebtTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfMaturitiesOfLongTermDebtTableTextBlock_83DCFD67CA11BC35DF79AA5DEE2F7B62" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_E30A4A7D39DD993D903DAA5DEE2EB3C7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfMaturitiesOfLongTermDebtTableTextBlock_83DCFD67CA11BC35DF79AA5DEE2F7B62" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nanostring.com/role/NetLossPerShare" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_37E51EB8FEFC9596EE7FAA5DEE574BCC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareTextBlock_96A30533830B05E1F0CEAA5DEE574C0D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_37E51EB8FEFC9596EE7FAA5DEE574BCC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareTextBlock_96A30533830B05E1F0CEAA5DEE574C0D" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nanostring.com/role/NetLossPerShareSummaryOfSharesUnderlyingOutstandingOptionsAndWarrantsWereExcludedFromComputationOfBasicAndDilutedNetLossPerShareDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_D6BE325D673B950ADD06AA5DEE53AC9E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_02DD98461753C2DC28E9AA5DEE53394B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_D6BE325D673B950ADD06AA5DEE53AC9E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_02DD98461753C2DC28E9AA5DEE53394B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_5D0640A423DBCA6A2DA0AA5DEE5383AC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_02DD98461753C2DC28E9AA5DEE53394B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_5D0640A423DBCA6A2DA0AA5DEE5383AC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_A49B0A8C77412052114FAA5DEE5391AA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_5D0640A423DBCA6A2DA0AA5DEE5383AC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_A49B0A8C77412052114FAA5DEE5391AA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_82FCF587F6C9A10611BEAA5DEE53D4AD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_A49B0A8C77412052114FAA5DEE5391AA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_82FCF587F6C9A10611BEAA5DEE53D4AD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_7A2AF638901743B2F178AA5DEE53932B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_A49B0A8C77412052114FAA5DEE5391AA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_7A2AF638901743B2F178AA5DEE53932B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WarrantMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WarrantMember_050EC5D20138F9A820A6AA5DEE530B12" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_A49B0A8C77412052114FAA5DEE5391AA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WarrantMember_050EC5D20138F9A820A6AA5DEE530B12" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_B878B317D19EF130E16DAA5DEE53FC84" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_02DD98461753C2DC28E9AA5DEE53394B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_B878B317D19EF130E16DAA5DEE53FC84" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_710FF08999F3EC51A7B2AA5DEE531935" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_B878B317D19EF130E16DAA5DEE53FC84" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_710FF08999F3EC51A7B2AA5DEE531935" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_4642CEE5F4072384EC90AA5DEE537779" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_710FF08999F3EC51A7B2AA5DEE531935" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_4642CEE5F4072384EC90AA5DEE537779" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_1EF3AE961409DFFD1A65AA5DEE53467B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_02DD98461753C2DC28E9AA5DEE53394B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_1EF3AE961409DFFD1A65AA5DEE53467B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_3DC2ED4F7E09CD9E5E6BAA5DEE546FAE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_1EF3AE961409DFFD1A65AA5DEE53467B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_3DC2ED4F7E09CD9E5E6BAA5DEE546FAE" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nanostring.com/role/NetLossPerShareTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_E818559B63BE2880D924AA5DEE559173" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTextBlock_AD4852E13B5E3809D9A9AA5DEE55978A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_E818559B63BE2880D924AA5DEE559173" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTextBlock_AD4852E13B5E3809D9A9AA5DEE55978A" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nanostring.com/role/ShortTermInvestments" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract_DE37678D4E71D1863247AA5DEE4BC019" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsInDebtAndMarketableEquitySecuritiesAndCertainTradingAssetsDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsInDebtAndMarketableEquitySecuritiesAndCertainTradingAssetsDisclosureTextBlock_1EC4DCEF1ED34A513669AA5DEE4BC63F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract_DE37678D4E71D1863247AA5DEE4BC019" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsInDebtAndMarketableEquitySecuritiesAndCertainTradingAssetsDisclosureTextBlock_1EC4DCEF1ED34A513669AA5DEE4BC63F" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nanostring.com/role/ShortTermInvestmentsAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract_0C46AB6DC3C051FB3E98AA5DEE3E10DC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesInvestmentsAvailableforsaleSecurities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesInvestmentsAvailableforsaleSecurities_DDC1B7D146DEC2181F44AA5DEE3ECAA5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract_0C46AB6DC3C051FB3E98AA5DEE3E10DC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesInvestmentsAvailableforsaleSecurities_DDC1B7D146DEC2181F44AA5DEE3ECAA5" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nanostring.com/role/ShortTermInvestmentsAvailableForSaleSecuritiesDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract_C29CF8075AAA54D4807DAA5DEE47A66B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_37524EEB659A0E519B99AA5DEE4796FC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract_C29CF8075AAA54D4807DAA5DEE47A66B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_37524EEB659A0E519B99AA5DEE4796FC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_070589E713987F3E1569AA5DEE47374D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_37524EEB659A0E519B99AA5DEE4796FC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_070589E713987F3E1569AA5DEE47374D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_CF3A3971A1E157B744A6AA5DEE471270" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_070589E713987F3E1569AA5DEE47374D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_CF3A3971A1E157B744A6AA5DEE471270" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_6D0D06BE8B5F914EEB51AA5DEE473125" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_CF3A3971A1E157B744A6AA5DEE471270" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_6D0D06BE8B5F914EEB51AA5DEE473125" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember_9EE1FCF8F6BCA5A49DFEAA5DEE47EFC2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_CF3A3971A1E157B744A6AA5DEE471270" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember_9EE1FCF8F6BCA5A49DFEAA5DEE47EFC2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_22CA551464110B10B0D5AA5DEE47F053" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_37524EEB659A0E519B99AA5DEE4796FC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_22CA551464110B10B0D5AA5DEE47F053" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost_2B4E54562C618CFBE64FAA5DEE477B7C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_22CA551464110B10B0D5AA5DEE47F053" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost_2B4E54562C618CFBE64FAA5DEE477B7C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax_6DEC41F59651DB942EAAAA5DEE47CEAB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_22CA551464110B10B0D5AA5DEE47F053" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax_6DEC41F59651DB942EAAAA5DEE47CEAB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax_D1F94ACEE5E12C714AC9AA5DEE478951" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_22CA551464110B10B0D5AA5DEE47F053" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax_D1F94ACEE5E12C714AC9AA5DEE478951" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesCurrent_C94B5DF46507A43BB878AA5DEE47DE57" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_22CA551464110B10B0D5AA5DEE47F053" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesCurrent_C94B5DF46507A43BB878AA5DEE47DE57" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nanostring.com/role/ShortTermInvestmentsFairValuesOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesByContractualMaturityDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract_BFE99A68F55887CB5E4BAA5DEE447FED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithinOneYearFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithinOneYearFairValue_718B6F163CEABEA7F443AA5DEE44DB81" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract_BFE99A68F55887CB5E4BAA5DEE447FED" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithinOneYearFairValue_718B6F163CEABEA7F443AA5DEE44DB81" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nstg-20170930.xsd#nstg_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterOneThroughThreeYearsFairValue" xlink:label="loc_nstg_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterOneThroughThreeYearsFairValue_430DA8BBE060C501128DAA5DEE4490D2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract_BFE99A68F55887CB5E4BAA5DEE447FED" xlink:to="loc_nstg_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterOneThroughThreeYearsFairValue_430DA8BBE060C501128DAA5DEE4490D2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities_3718BE4ED2D57082BB61AA5DEE446F18" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract_BFE99A68F55887CB5E4BAA5DEE447FED" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities_3718BE4ED2D57082BB61AA5DEE446F18" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nanostring.com/role/ShortTermInvestmentsSummaryOfInvestmentsInContinuousLossPositionDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract_9995085A81972258EF8578EF7BB7A119" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_DA81CE2C716EA0FC6C7478EF7BB78CEF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract_9995085A81972258EF8578EF7BB7A119" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_DA81CE2C716EA0FC6C7478EF7BB78CEF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_FB60F1E2FBA50EC2772078EF7BB70267" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_DA81CE2C716EA0FC6C7478EF7BB78CEF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_FB60F1E2FBA50EC2772078EF7BB70267" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_75BE46F14ED7B614EC9A78EF7BB72641" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_FB60F1E2FBA50EC2772078EF7BB70267" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_75BE46F14ED7B614EC9A78EF7BB72641" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_41CB875DBB16A06E75D078EF7BB7D897" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_75BE46F14ED7B614EC9A78EF7BB72641" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_41CB875DBB16A06E75D078EF7BB7D897" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember_BCC2893F41311A3AE61878EF7BB76403" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_75BE46F14ED7B614EC9A78EF7BB72641" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember_BCC2893F41311A3AE61878EF7BB76403" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_13D361B37E5C6C9891F778EF7BB7CEB1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_DA81CE2C716EA0FC6C7478EF7BB78CEF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_13D361B37E5C6C9891F778EF7BB7CEB1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThanTwelveMonthsFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThanTwelveMonthsFairValue_0C116E9F239CC29B6E0778EF7BB7C6EC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_13D361B37E5C6C9891F778EF7BB7CEB1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThanTwelveMonthsFairValue_0C116E9F239CC29B6E0778EF7BB7C6EC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsAccumulatedLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsAccumulatedLoss_648037D4CFB01C4184B778EF7BB79D8D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_13D361B37E5C6C9891F778EF7BB7CEB1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsAccumulatedLoss_648037D4CFB01C4184B778EF7BB79D8D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionTwelveMonthsOrLongerFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionTwelveMonthsOrLongerFairValue_E9F10D3981481E593CD178EF7BB7A096" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_13D361B37E5C6C9891F778EF7BB7CEB1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionTwelveMonthsOrLongerFairValue_E9F10D3981481E593CD178EF7BB7A096" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLongerAccumulatedLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLongerAccumulatedLoss_CE993F1ED84E77916AB978EF7BB77BA5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_13D361B37E5C6C9891F778EF7BB7CEB1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLongerAccumulatedLoss_CE993F1ED84E77916AB978EF7BB77BA5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValue_AB19D68438FF01A8FD1E78EF7BB8B73A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_13D361B37E5C6C9891F778EF7BB7CEB1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValue_AB19D68438FF01A8FD1E78EF7BB8B73A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAccumulatedLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAccumulatedLoss_0FCC3FD7FF0A8D6C9F3678EF7BB8AF2E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_13D361B37E5C6C9891F778EF7BB7CEB1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAccumulatedLoss_0FCC3FD7FF0A8D6C9F3678EF7BB8AF2E" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nanostring.com/role/ShortTermInvestmentsTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract_736282F06AEB481C2990AA5DEE49354F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesTextBlock_D3C6930038BFA8CE26A5AA5DEE49C643" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract_736282F06AEB481C2990AA5DEE49354F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesTextBlock_D3C6930038BFA8CE26A5AA5DEE49C643" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsClassifiedByContractualMaturityDateTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsClassifiedByContractualMaturityDateTableTextBlock_33ADCAC233E05CA15DD8AA5DEE4933A2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract_736282F06AEB481C2990AA5DEE49354F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsClassifiedByContractualMaturityDateTableTextBlock_33ADCAC233E05CA15DD8AA5DEE4933A2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValueTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValueTableTextBlock_458F5026FC3BA7012254AA5DEE49AE12" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract_736282F06AEB481C2990AA5DEE49354F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValueTableTextBlock_458F5026FC3BA7012254AA5DEE49AE12" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nanostring.com/role/SubsequentEvent" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventsAbstract_460DFA6F5308DB9A05CB78BAF90C9084" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventsTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventsTextBlock_481B8388E89C65F8DFC478BAF90CF1E9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventsAbstract_460DFA6F5308DB9A05CB78BAF90C9084" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventsTextBlock_481B8388E89C65F8DFC478BAF90CF1E9" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
</link:linkbase>
