DNA Concentration Calculator

Calculate DNA, RNA, or nucleic acid concentration from absorbance (A260)

Enter your absorbance, dilution factor, and sample volume to get DNA concentration and total DNA amount. Supports dsDNA, ssDNA, and RNA.

Examples

See how to use the DNA Concentration Calculator with real-world data.

Standard dsDNA Measurement

Basic

Calculate dsDNA concentration from A260 = 0.8, dilution factor 5, 100 µL sample.

Absorbance (A260): 0.8

Dilution Factor: 5

Sample Volume: 100

Volume Unit: µL (microliter)

Nucleic Acid Type: dsDNA (double-stranded)

Concentration Unit: ng/µL

RNA Quantification

RNA

Calculate RNA concentration from A260 = 1.2, undiluted, 50 µL sample.

Absorbance (A260): 1.2

Dilution Factor: 1

Sample Volume: 50

Volume Unit: µL (microliter)

Nucleic Acid Type: RNA

Concentration Unit: µg/mL

ssDNA with High Dilution

ssDNA

Calculate ssDNA concentration from A260 = 0.5, dilution factor 20, 200 µL sample.

Absorbance (A260): 0.5

Dilution Factor: 20

Sample Volume: 200

Volume Unit: µL (microliter)

Nucleic Acid Type: ssDNA (single-stranded)

Concentration Unit: ng/mL

dsDNA in mL

dsDNA

Calculate dsDNA concentration from A260 = 1.0, dilution factor 10, 1 mL sample.

Absorbance (A260): 1

Dilution Factor: 10

Sample Volume: 1

Volume Unit: mL (milliliter)

Nucleic Acid Type: dsDNA (double-stranded)

Concentration Unit: µg/mL

Other Titles
Understanding DNA Concentration & Quantification Calculator: A Comprehensive Guide
Learn how to accurately measure and interpret DNA concentration for your experiments.

What is DNA Concentration?

  • Definition of DNA Concentration
  • Importance in Molecular Biology
  • Common Measurement Methods
DNA concentration refers to the amount of DNA present in a given volume of solution, typically expressed in ng/µL or µg/mL. Accurate measurement is crucial for molecular biology applications such as PCR, cloning, and sequencing.
Why Measure DNA Concentration?

Practical Applications

  • Preparing DNA for PCR amplification.
  • Ensuring optimal DNA input for sequencing.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Calculator

  • Inputting Absorbance and Dilution Factor
  • Selecting Nucleic Acid Type and Units
  • Interpreting Results
To use the calculator, enter the measured absorbance (A260), dilution factor, and sample volume. Select the nucleic acid type and desired units. The calculator will provide the concentration and total DNA amount instantly.
User-Friendly Interface

Example Calculations

  • A260 = 0.8, dilution 5, dsDNA, 100 µL sample.
  • A260 = 1.2, undiluted RNA, 50 µL sample.

Real-World Applications of DNA Quantification

  • Clinical Diagnostics
  • Genetic Research
  • Forensic Science
DNA quantification is essential in clinical diagnostics for detecting genetic disorders, in research for gene expression studies, and in forensics for analyzing biological evidence.
Broad Utility Across Fields

Industry Use Cases

  • Quantifying DNA for gene therapy.
  • Measuring DNA in forensic samples.

Common Misconceptions and Correct Methods

  • Absorbance Limitations
  • Sample Purity Considerations
  • Choosing the Right Units
Many users assume higher absorbance always means more DNA, but contaminants can affect readings. Always check sample purity and use the correct conversion factor for your nucleic acid type.
Best Practices for Accurate Results

Tips & Tricks

  • Avoiding protein contamination at 280 nm.
  • Using the correct factor for RNA vs. DNA.

Mathematical Derivation and Examples

  • The A260 Formula
  • Conversion Factors for Nucleic Acids
  • Calculating Total DNA Amount
The formula for DNA concentration is: Concentration = A260 × Dilution Factor × Conversion Factor. For dsDNA, the factor is 50 ng/µL; for ssDNA, 33 ng/µL; for RNA, 40 ng/µL. Total DNA amount = Concentration × Volume.
Worked Example

Calculation Walkthrough

  • A260 = 0.8, dilution 5, dsDNA: 0.8 × 5 × 50 = 200 ng/µL.
  • Total DNA in 100 µL: 200 × 100 = 20,000 ng = 20 µg.