How to use the pcr master mix calculator
Scale a PCR reaction recipe for multiple samples. Enter number of reactions, volume per reaction, master mix concentration in the fields above; the master mix per reaction, total master mix (+10% extra), water and template per reaction are computed instantly and plotted on the chart so you can see how the answer changes.
Formula
Variables
- n — Number of reactions
- V — Volume per reaction (µL)
- mm — Master mix concentration (×)
Worked example
With number of reactions = 8, volume per reaction = 25 µL, master mix concentration = 2 ×, the calculator gives master mix per reaction ≈ 12.5 µL; total master mix (+10% extra) ≈ 110 µL; water and template per reaction ≈ 12.5 µL.
Frequently asked questions
What is the formula for the pcr master mix calculation?
Master mix per reaction (µL) = V / mm. Total master mix (+10% extra) (µL) = [Master mix per reaction] × n × 1.1. Water and template per reaction (µL) = V-[Master mix per reaction]. Here n is number of reactions, V is volume per reaction (µL), mm is master mix concentration (×).
What inputs do I need for the pcr master mix calculator?
You need number of reactions, volume per reaction in µL, master mix concentration in ×. Each field is pre-filled with a typical example so you can see how the result responds as you edit the numbers.
How do I use this calculator?
Type values into the input fields. Results and the chart update instantly. Use Reset to restore the example values, Copy results to paste them elsewhere, or Share to copy a link that preserves your inputs.
Is the result exact?
Calculations use standard formulas and double-precision arithmetic, then display about seven significant figures. Real-world measurements carry uncertainty, so treat results as estimates unless your inputs are exact.