PCR master mix planning
PCR setup requires balancing fixed component volumes with final reaction volume.
This calculator totals component volumes, estimates water volume, and scales the setup for multiple reactions with extra mix.
Calculator
PCR Reaction Setup Calculator
Result
Per reaction water: 17.25 µL
Master mix scale: 11 reactions including extra volume
Buffer: 5 µL per reaction, 55 µL total
dNTPs: 0.5 µL per reaction, 5.5 µL total
Forward primer: 0.5 µL per reaction, 5.5 µL total
Reverse primer: 0.5 µL per reaction, 5.5 µL total
Polymerase: 0.25 µL per reaction, 2.75 µL total
Template DNA: 1 µL per reaction, 11 µL total
Water: 17.25 µL per reaction, 189.75 µL total
Practical use
Use this calculator as a planning aid for molecular biology, biochemistry, protein science, cloning, PCR, and routine bench preparation workflows.
Results should be interpreted alongside your protocol, instrument settings, reagent quality, and laboratory safety requirements.
How to cite this tool
Citation
If this calculator supports your research, you may cite it as a web-based tool.
Abdulfattah, M. A. PCR Reaction Setup Calculator. Mustafa A Abdulfattah Academic Website. Available at: https://www.mustafaabdulfattah.com/tools/pcr-reaction-setup-calculator. Accessed today.
BibTeX
@misc{abdulfattah_pcr_reaction_setup_calculator_2026,
author = {Abdulfattah, Mustafa A.},
title = {PCR Reaction Setup Calculator},
year = {2026},
url = {https://www.mustafaabdulfattah.com/tools/pcr-reaction-setup-calculator},
note = {Accessed today}
}FAQ
PCR Reaction Setup Calculator questions
Why add extra percentage?↑
Extra mix compensates for pipetting loss, dead volume, and small handling errors.
What if component volumes exceed final volume?↑
The calculator warns when entered component volumes leave no room for water.
Should template be included in master mix?↑
Often template is added separately, but this depends on the experiment. Enter volumes according to your planned workflow.
Can I use this for qPCR?↑
It can help plan volumes, but qPCR assays may require additional controls and master-mix-specific guidance.