In mathematics, the nine lemma is a statement about commutative diagrams and exact sequences valid in any abelian category, as well as in the category of groups. It states: if

is a commutative diagram and all columns as well as the two bottom rows are exact, then the top row is exact as well. Likewise, if all columns as well as the two top rows are exact, then the bottom row is exact as well.

The nine lemma can be proved by direct diagram chasing, or by applying the snake lemma (to the two bottom rows in the first case, and to the two top rows in the second case).