Background To assess the prognostic significance of different nodal parameters i.e., number of pathologically positive nodes, log odds of positive lymph nodes, lymph node ratio (LNR), and extra-nodal extension (ENE) in Taiwanese patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC), and to devise an optimized pN classification system for predicting survival in OCSCC. Methods A total of 4287 Taiwanese patients with first primary OCSCC and nodal metastases were enrolled. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis with the spline method was applied to identify the optimal cut-off values for LNR, log odds of positive lymph nodes, and number of pathologically positive nodes. Results On multivariable analysis, we identified a LNR ≥0.078/0.079, the presence of at least three pathologically positive nodes, and ENE as independent prognosticators for 5-year disease-specific survival (DSS) and overall survival (OS) rates. We therefore devised a four-point prognostic scoring system according to the presence or absence of each variable. The 5-year DSS and OS rates of patients with scores of 0−3 were 70%/62%/50%/36% ( p < 0.0001) and 61%/52%/40%25%, respectively ( p < 0.0001). On analyzing the AJCC 2017 pN classification, patients with pN3a displayed better survival rates than those with pN2 disease. The 5-year DSS and OS rates of patients with pN1/pN2/pN3a/pN3b disease were 72%/60%/67%/43% ( p < 0.0001) and 63%/51%/67%/33%, respectively ( p < 0.0001). Conclusions Three nodal parameters (i.e., a LNR ≥0.078/0.079, the presence of at least three pathologically positive nodes, and ENE) assessed in combination provided a better prognostic stratification than the traditional AJCC pN classification.