Cell Doubling Time Calculator
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Please enter valid initial count, final count, and time elapsed (all must be > 0, final > initial).
Enter cell counts at multiple time points. Minimum 2 rows required. Time in hours from the start of experiment (t=0).
| Time (h) | Cell Count | |
|---|---|---|
Please enter at least 2 valid time points with cell counts.
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Please enter starting cell count, doubling time, and prediction time.
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Results
How to Use the Cell Doubling Time Calculator
For Two Time Points, enter the initial and final cell counts and the time elapsed between them. This is the quickest method — count cells at seeding and then again 24–48 hours later.
For Multiple Time Points, enter counts at 3 or more intervals. The calculator fits an exponential growth model to your data, calculates the best-fit doubling time, and plots a growth curve with your data points overlaid.
For Predict Cell Count, enter a known doubling time and starting count to project forward. Optionally enter a carrying capacity to model logistic growth.
Doubling Time Formula
td = t × ln(2) ÷ ln(Nt ÷ N₀)
µ (growth rate) = ln(2) ÷ td (per hour)
N(t) = N₀ × 2^(t ÷ td)
Typical Doubling Times by Cell Line
- HeLa: 18–24 hours
- HEK293: 24–36 hours
- CHO-K1: 12–18 hours
- MCF-7: 28–36 hours
- Jurkat (suspension): 20–28 hours
- Primary fibroblasts: 36–60 hours
- iPSCs: 16–24 hours
Phases of Cell Growth
- Lag phase: Cells adapt to new conditions after seeding. Little to no proliferation. Typically 4–12 hours post-seeding.
- Exponential (log) phase: Rapid, consistent doubling. Ideal phase for experiments, passaging, and transfection.
- Stationary phase: Growth rate slows as nutrients deplete and contact inhibition sets in near confluency.
- Decline phase: Cell death exceeds division. Usually above 100% confluency or with media exhaustion.