Cell Viability Calculator: Live/Dead Cell Ratio
Calculate cell viability percentage from live and dead cell counts. Used in cell culture, drug testing, toxicology, and cancer research to assess treatment efficacy.
What is Cell Viability?
Cell viability is the proportion of live, healthy cells in a population. It is a critical metric in cell biology, pharmaceutical research, and clinical diagnostics. Reduced viability indicates cytotoxicity from drugs, radiation, pathogens, or unfavorable culture conditions.
🔬 Cell Viability Calculator
Use our free calculator for instant, accurate results.
📐 Formula
Viability (%) = (Live Cells / Total Cells) × 100
Total Cells = Live + Dead. Methods: Trypan blue exclusion (dead cells stain blue), MTT assay (metabolic activity), flow cytometry (PI staining).
📝 Worked Example
Count from hemocytometer: 180 live cells, 20 dead cells
Total = 200 cells
Viability = (180/200) × 100 = 90%
Typically acceptable for most cell culture work (>80% desirable)
📝 How to Use the Calculator
❓ FAQ
What is the trypan blue exclusion test?
Trypan blue only enters cells with compromised membranes (dead/dying). Live cells exclude the dye and appear clear; dead cells stain blue under a microscope.
What is the difference between viability and cytotoxicity?
Viability measures live cell % in a population. Cytotoxicity usually refers to the IC50 — concentration of a drug killing 50% of cells.
Veer Kumavat
Founder & AuthorVeer is a 14-year-old student from Nashik, Maharashtra, who built SciFi Calculators to help students worldwide master STEM subjects. He is passionate about making complex science and math problems accessible through intuitive digital tools.