Calculate PCR master mix component volumes for a batch of reactions.
Master mixes are prepared with an excess because pipetting loses volume at every transfer. Component volumes follow the dilution relationship, so each primer volume is the reaction volume scaled by the concentration ratio. Preparing a master mix rather than individual reactions is what makes replicates comparable, since every reaction then draws from identical reagent proportions.
PCR Master Mix
C₁V₁ = C₂V₂, so primer volume = reaction volume × final ÷ stock concentration
C₁V₁ = C₂V₂, so primer volume = reaction volume × final ÷ stock concentration Master mixes are prepared with an excess because pipetting loses volume at every transfer. Component volumes follow the dilution relationship, so each primer volume is the reaction volume scaled by the concentration ratio.
Preparing a master mix rather than individual reactions is what makes replicates comparable, since every reaction then draws from identical reagent proportions.
This calculator takes 5 inputs: Number of reactions, Volume per reaction, Pipetting excess, Primer stock concentration, Primer final concentration. The pre-filled defaults are a realistic starting point — replace them with figures from your own environment for a result you can act on.