Estimate effective PCR product doubling time from cycle duration and amplification efficiency. The result reports the time required for a twofold increase, the per-cycle amplification factor, and projected fold amplification over a selected number of cycles. It is a mathematical model, not a substitute for assay validation.
Amplification factor per cycle = 1 + efficiency. Effective doubling cycles = ln(2) ÷ ln(1 + efficiency). Doubling time = cycle duration × effective doubling cycles.
Use the main result as a planning estimate and read the supporting metrics to understand which assumptions drive it.
Results depend on the entered assumptions. Confirm critical decisions with measured operational data or a validated laboratory protocol.
At 90% efficiency, the amplification factor is 1.9 per cycle. With a 2.5-minute cycle, the effective doubling time is about 2.70 minutes.
It uses only the values entered on the page and the formula shown above. Review the inputs whenever operating conditions or lab protocols change.
Use measured averages where possible and include the provided overage, utilization, overlap, or efficiency input rather than hiding variability in another field.
Zero is accepted only where it has a meaningful interpretation. The calculator blocks zero denominators and other combinations that cannot produce a valid result.
No. It is a planning aid. Confirm reagent compatibility, instrument limits, assay performance, and pipetting feasibility with your validated protocol.
Keep full precision through the calculation and round only the quantities you need to measure or report. The calculator follows that approach internally.
| Input | Unit | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Average cycle duration | min | Denaturation, annealing, extension, and transitions |
| Amplification efficiency | % | 100% means a twofold increase per cycle |
| PCR cycles | cycles | Cycles used for the projection |