Plan a serial qPCR standard dilution by calculating transfer volume, diluent per tube, total diluent, and the concentration reached at the final standard. Enter the starting concentration, dilution ratio, volume per standard, number of standards, and transfer overage.
For each dilution step, transfer volume = final tube volume ÷ dilution factor and diluent = final tube volume − transfer volume. Final concentration = starting concentration ÷ factor^(standards − 1).
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.
A six-point 1:10 series at 100 µL per tube uses a nominal 10 µL transfer plus 90 µL diluent per downstream tube. Starting at 1,000,000 copies/µL, the sixth standard is 10 copies/µL.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting concentration | copies/µL | Concentration of the first standard |
| Dilution factor per step | × | For example, 10 for a 1:10 series |
| Final volume per standard | µL | Volume after mixing each tube |
| Number of standards | tubes | Includes the starting standard |
| Transfer overage | % | Extra transfer volume for pipetting loss |