Enter the initial amount of DNA, efficiency of the PCR reaction, and number of cycles into the calculator to determine the final amount of DNA. This calculator can also evaluate any of the variables given the others are known.

Pcr Amplification Formula

The following formula is used to calculate the final amount of DNA after PCR amplification.

FA = I * (1 + E)^C

Variables:

  • FA is the final amount of DNA
  • I is the initial amount of DNA
  • E is the efficiency of the PCR reaction (usually close to 1)
  • C is the number of cycles in the PCR reaction

To calculate the final amount of DNA after PCR amplification, add 1 to the efficiency of the PCR reaction. Raise this result to the power of the number of cycles in the PCR reaction. Multiply this result by the initial amount of DNA.

What is a Pcr Amplification?

PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) Amplification is a laboratory technique used to make multiple copies of a specific segment of DNA. It is highly precise, and capable of copying a specific DNA sequence billions of times in just a few hours. This process is crucial in genetic testing, criminal forensics, and molecular biology research, as it allows for the analysis of very small amounts of DNA.

How to Calculate Pcr Amplification?

The following steps outline how to calculate the PCR Amplification using the formula: FA = I * (1 + E)^C


  1. First, determine the initial amount of DNA (I).
  2. Next, determine the efficiency of the PCR reaction (E).
  3. Next, determine the number of cycles in the PCR reaction (C).
  4. Next, substitute the values of I, E, and C into the formula FA = I * (1 + E)^C.
  5. Finally, calculate the final amount of DNA (FA).
  6. After inserting the variables and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above.

Example Problem : 

Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.

Initial amount of DNA (I) = 10

Efficiency of the PCR reaction (E) = 0.8

Number of cycles in the PCR reaction (C) = 5