Generation Time Calculator

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Forward mode: enter N0, N, and elapsed time to compute the generation time. Reverse mode: enter N0, generation time, and elapsed time to predict the final count.
Optional starting point. The preset does not lock any field, all values remain editable.
Cells, CFU/mL, OD₆₀₀-derived count, or any consistent unit. The final count must use the same unit.
cells
Count at the end of the growth interval. Must exceed N₀ for net growth.
cells
How long the culture grew between the two measurements.
Generates a table of the population at every doubling over the elapsed interval, useful for planning sampling times.
Generation (doubling) time
20min
Generation time0.333hr
Number of generations (n)6
Growth rate constant (k)0.0347/min
Specific growth rate (μ)2.0794/hr
Generations per hour3/hr
Fold increase64×
Generations/hr3
μ (/hr)2.0794

Generation time 20 min with μ = 2.079 /hr during log phase.

  • The specific growth rate μ = 2.0794 /hr (equivalent to ln 2 ÷ g in hours) is the standard kinetic parameter used in Monod and fed-batch models.
  • 6 complete doublings occurred over the interval, giving a fold increase of 64×.
  • A doubling time under 30 minutes is characteristic of fast-growing bacteria such as E. coli in rich broth at 37 °C.

Next stepValidate measurements only during exponential (log) phase: lag and stationary phases both inflate the apparent generation time.

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