Cell Doubling Time Calculator
Estimate cell population doubling time using concentration, confluency, or cell count data
Calculate Doubling Time
Common Cell Types
Doubling Time Results
Calculation Steps
1. Calculate generations: n = log₂(Final/Initial) = log₂(2) = 1
2. Calculate doubling time: Td = Time/n = 24/1 = 24 hours
3. Growth rate constant: k = ln(2)/Td = 0.693/24 = 0.0289 per hour
Growth Projection
Doubling Time Formulas
Basic Formula
Where:
Td = Doubling time
t = Time elapsed
n = Number of generations
Generation Calculation
Where:
n = Number of generations
N0 = Initial cell count
Nt = Final cell count
Growth Rate Constant
Where:
k = Growth rate constant
Td = Doubling time
ln(2) ≈ 0.693
What is Cell Doubling Time?
Cell doubling time is the period required for a cell population to double in number during the exponential growth phase. It’s a crucial parameter in cell culture studies, drug testing, and cancer research.
Measurement Methods
Direct counting using hemocytometer or automated counters
Microscopic estimation of surface area covered
MTT, WST, or resazurin-based viability tests
Fluorometric quantification of cellular DNA
Factors Affecting Doubling Time
Cancer cells vs primary cells
Media composition, serum concentration
Early vs late passage cells
Contact inhibition effects
Typical Doubling Times
Fast Dividing Cells
HEK293, HeLa, CHO
Common immortalized lines
Moderate Growth
Fibroblasts, MCF-7
Many cancer cell lines
Slow Dividing
Primary cells, stem cells
Differentiated cells
Very Slow
Neurons, hepatocytes
Terminally differentiated