Codon To Amino Acid Calculator

Work out codon to amino acid instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.

About Codon To Amino Acid Calculator

Looks the codon up in the standard genetic code, converting DNA thymine to uracil first so either notation can be entered.

Formula

Standard genetic code

64 codons encode 20 amino acids plus three stop signals; AUG is both methionine and the start codon

Worked example

With the default values below, Codon To Amino Acid Calculator returns Amino acid of Methionine (start). Change any input above and every figure here is recalculated in your browser.

Inputs used

Codon: AUG
Sequence typeone of mRNA (contains U), DNA coding strand (contains T): mRNA (contains U)

Results

Amino acid: Methionine (start)
Three-letter code: Met
Single-letter code: M
Codon interpreted: AUG

Step by step

1Values used
2Standard genetic code
3Amino acid= Methionine (start)
4Three-letter code= Met
5Single-letter code= M
6Codon interpreted= AUG

Assumptions and limits

The result is derived only from the 2 inputs listed above. Anything not among them is not part of the calculation.
In particular, this calculator does not take inflation, tax, fees or charges or compounding frequency into account.

How these calculators are built and tested is described on the Methodology page. If a figure looks wrong, please report it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the code called degenerate?

Most amino acids have several codons, usually differing at the third base, which buffers against point mutations.

Are there alternative codes?

Yes. Mitochondria and some protists reassign a few codons, notably UGA and AUA.