Guides

Bench math, explained properly.

Worked examples for the calculations every lab runs. Each guide links to a free BenchMate calculator so you can check your numbers.

Guide7 min read

Molarity formula explained for the bench: mass = M × V × MW, worked examples for NaCl, Tris and EDTA, hydrate traps and a free molarity calculator.

Uses: Molarity & Dilution calculatorRead

Guide6 min read

How to use C1V1 = C2V2 for lab dilutions: step-by-step examples, unit traps, 10X to 1X buffers, and when the equation does not apply.

Uses: C1V1 dilution calculatorRead

Guide6 min read

How to plan a serial dilution: dilution factor, 1:10 and 1:2 series tables, CFU back-calculation and pipetting errors that compound.

Uses: Serial dilution tableRead

Guide8 min read

Step-by-step buffer preparation: choosing a buffer by pKa, 1X PBS and 1 M Tris-HCl recipes, temperature effects on Tris pH, and pH meter habits.

Uses: Buffer Recipe GeneratorRead

Guide6 min read

What % w/v, % v/v and % w/w mean, how to make 70% ethanol, 10% SDS and 1% agarose, and how to convert percent to molarity.

Uses: Percent-Solution GeneratorRead

Guide7 min read

Convert DNA and RNA concentration from ng/µL to nM, pmol and copy number. A260 basics, purity ratios, primer and plasmid examples.

Uses: Unit Converter (ng/µL)Read

Six bench cheat sheets, free.