12,500
ng
12.5
µg
12,500
ng
12.5
µg
The RNA Yield Calculator computes the total amount of RNA in your sample from the measured concentration and the elution or resuspension volume. This quick calculation is essential for determining whether your RNA extraction yielded enough material for downstream applications such as RT-qPCR, microarray analysis, RNA sequencing, or Northern blotting. Knowing total yield also helps assess extraction efficiency and tissue/cell input adequacy.
Total yield is calculated by a simple multiplication:
Total Yield (ng) = Concentration (ng/µL) × Volume (µL)
Total Yield (µg) = Total Yield (ng) / 1000
For example, if your RNA concentration is 250 ng/µL and you eluted into 50 µL, the total RNA is 12,500 ng or 12.5 µg.
Inputs
Results
250 ng/µL in 50 µL gives a total yield of 12.5 µg, sufficient for multiple downstream experiments.
Inputs
Results
A low concentration of 15 ng/µL in 30 µL yields only 450 ng total, which may be limiting for some applications.
Typical requirements: RT-qPCR: 100 ng – 2 µg total RNA; RNA-seq: 100 ng – 1 µg (varies by library prep kit); Microarray: 1 – 15 µg; Northern blot: 5 – 20 µg. Always check the specific protocol requirements for your kit or method.
Typical yields are 5–15 µg RNA per 10⁶ cultured cells, depending on cell type and metabolic activity. HeLa cells typically yield ~10 µg per million cells, while smaller cells like lymphocytes may yield 5–7 µg per million. Tissues vary widely: liver yields more RNA per gram than muscle or connective tissue.
Using a smaller elution volume increases concentration but also increases the risk of incomplete elution from the column or pellet, potentially reducing total yield. A good compromise is to use the minimum volume recommended by the kit manufacturer. You can always concentrate dilute RNA afterward using ethanol precipitation or vacuum concentration.
Roboculator Team
The Roboculator Team explains calculations, planning tools, and practical formulas in clear language for real-life situations.
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