The formulas
cells needed = cells per well × wells × (1 + extra %)
cell suspension = cells needed ÷ live cells per mL
Medium makes up the rest of the total volume. If your count is total cells, live cells = total × viability. Seeding by cells per cm² multiplies by the growth area of the well.
Worked example
10,000 cells per well in 100 µL, across a 96-well plate with 10% extra, from a count of 1.2 × 10⁶ live cells/mL: mix 880 µL of cell suspension with 9.68 mL of medium, then add 100 µL to each well.
Common questions
What growth areas does it use?
Typical values, such as 0.32 cm² for a 96-well plate and 9.5 cm² for a 6-well plate. They vary between manufacturers, so check your vessel's datasheet or choose Other to enter your own.
What if my suspension is too dilute?
The calculator tells you. Spin the cells down and resuspend them in less medium, or seed fewer cells.
This calculator is checked against independent calculations before every release. How we check our calculators.