MAXScanner biology & lab calculator
PCR Master Mix Calculator — Reactions, Overage & Shared Mix Volume
Scale aggregate shared PCR mix volume across multiple reactions from reaction volume, template volume and configurable overage, while keeping template volume separate.
Last updated: 2026-09-17
Results
Enter a positive reaction volume and count, nonnegative overage, and template below the reaction volume
Formula, example and assumptions
Shared mix=(reaction volume−template volume)×reaction count×(1+overage/100); template total=template volume×reaction count.
For 10 reactions with 10% overage, prepare shared mix for 11 reaction-equivalents and add each sample template separately.
- This calculator scales aggregate shared-mix volume; it does not choose or itemize individual reagent concentrations.
- Follow the reagent manufacturer protocol and laboratory SOP for actual reaction composition and handling.
Frequently asked questions
Why add master-mix overage?
A small overage helps cover pipetting loss so the last reaction is not short of shared mix.
Should template be in the master mix?
Usually template is added separately so samples remain distinct; follow your assay protocol if it specifies otherwise.