Understand the relationship
The reasoning behind the result
What one percent means
1% w/v = 1 g per 100 mL = 10 mg/mL
Mass-per-volume percentage describes grams of solute per 100 mL of final preparation. It is not a fraction of total mixture mass, and it does not require a density conversion.
The relationship is linear: doubling final volume at unchanged percentage doubles the mass required. Solving for volume reverses that same relationship.
Final volume sets the denominator
The entered volume is the final preparation volume under the convention of your method. Treating a starting solvent volume as the exact final volume can introduce a preparation difference. Heating losses or later additions also change the denominator unless accounted for.
The calculator performs composition arithmetic only. It does not select a gel percentage from a fragment size, predict resolution, choose buffer strength or establish safe heating and handling conditions.
Follow the numbers
A 50 mL preparation at 1.5% w/v
- 1.5% w/v means 1.5 g per 100 mL.
- Required mass = 1.5 × 50/100 = 0.75 g.
- That is 750 mg/50 mL = 15 mg/mL.
Use 0.75 g for the entered 50 mL final-volume composition; preparation procedure remains method-specific.
Quick guide
How to use this calculator
- Choose the quantity to solve.
- Enter grams, final millilitres or the desired mass-per-volume percentage as labelled.
- Use the result with the actual buffer, preparation and electrophoresis method; no gel percentage is selected for your fragments.
Calculation method
Calculation and interpretation
Reconcile the entered agarose mass with the final gel preparation volume.
% w/v = 100 × mass in grams / final volume in mL
Worked example
A 50 mL preparation at 1.5% w/v
Use 0.75 g for the entered 50 mL final-volume composition; preparation procedure remains method-specific.
% w/v = 100 × mass in grams / final volume in mL
Supported inputs
Precision and limits
Preparation arithmetic
Volumes are assumed additive and the stock uniformly mixed. The calculation does not choose a solvent, biological target, concentration, incubation condition or validated laboratory protocol. Check compatibility and the working range of the equipment separately.
Continue calculating
Related calculators
