Cell Culture Database

How to use: Browse growth parameters for 45+ cell lines. Use Search to find a cell line, Compare to see side-by-side differences, or Growth Calc to check your measured doubling time against published values.
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Cell Culture Quick Reference Database

This cell culture database is a free, searchable reference for the growth parameters that every cell culture scientist needs at the bench: doubling times, seeding densities, specific growth rates, recommended media, passage protocols and culture conditions for 45+ of the most commonly used cell lines in bioprocessing and research. It covers mammalian adherent lines (HEK293, HeLa, Vero, MDCK, NIH 3T3), mammalian suspension lines (CHO-K1, CHO-S, CHO-DG44, Jurkat, K562, NS0, hybridomas), insect cells for baculovirus expression (Sf9, Sf21, Hi5), microbial hosts for recombinant protein production (E. coli BL21, DH5α, Pichia pastoris, S. cerevisiae), and stem and primary cells (iPSC, hMSC, primary T cells). The doubling time calculator lets you enter your own cell counts and compare the measured growth rate against the published reference range for any cell line in the database.

The doubling time formula used throughout is td = (t2 − t1) × ln(2) / ln(N2 / N1), where N1 and N2 are viable cell counts (cells/mL for mammalian and insect, OD600 for bacteria) at times t1 and t2. Both measurements must be during exponential (log) growth phase. The specific growth rate is μ = ln(2) / td. If your measured doubling time is significantly slower than the reference range, common causes include mycoplasma contamination, spent or degraded media, over-confluent cultures, excessive passage number, or suboptimal CO2 and temperature. For guidance on optimising your passaging schedule, see our cell passage and subculture optimization guide. If you are planning a seed train expansion from a cryovial to production scale, the seed train planner will map out the vessel sequence and timeline.

Data in this database are compiled from ATCC product sheets, Thermo Fisher technical resources, DSMZ cell bank records, JCRB cell bank data, and published literature. Doubling times and seeding densities are given as ranges because growth depends on medium formulation, serum concentration, passage number, and local culture conditions. Always confirm with your cell bank's recommendations and validate with your own growth curves. To optimise culture conditions systematically, design a structured experiment with our DOE experiment generator.

Related Articles

Cell Seeding Density Chart
Recommended seeding densities by cell line, vessel format and application
Cell Growth Monitoring Techniques
Methods for measuring cell density, viability and growth rate in bioreactors
Cell Passage and Subculture Optimization
Split ratio, confluency timing and passage number limits
CHO Cell Culture Troubleshooting
Diagnosing poor growth, low viability and productivity loss in CHO cultures

Further Reading

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the doubling time of CHO cells?

CHO cell doubling time depends on the variant and culture conditions. CHO-K1 adherent cells double every 14-20 hours in F-12K medium with 10% FBS at 37°C. CHO-S suspension cells double every 14-18 hours in serum-free CD-CHO medium, while CHO-DG44 DHFR-minus cells are slightly slower at 18-24 hours.

What seeding density should I use for cell culture?

Optimal seeding density depends on the cell line and culture format. Adherent mammalian cells are typically seeded at 1-5 × 104 cells/cm2, suspension mammalian cells at 0.2-0.5 × 106 cells/mL, insect cells at 0.5-1 × 106 cells/mL, and bacteria at OD600 0.01-0.1.

What is the doubling time of E. coli?

E. coli BL21(DE3) and K-12 strains double every 20-30 minutes in LB medium at 37°C. In minimal media (M9 + glucose), doubling time increases to 40-60 minutes. The cloning strain DH5α is slightly slower at 25-35 minutes in LB.

How do you calculate cell doubling time?

Doubling time (td) is calculated from two cell counts during exponential growth: td = (t2 − t1) × ln(2) / ln(N2 / N1). The specific growth rate is μ = ln(N2 / N1) / (t2 − t1), and td = ln(2) / μ.

What is the difference between adherent and suspension cell culture?

Adherent cells grow attached to a surface and require trypsinization for passaging. Suspension cells grow freely in liquid medium and are passaged by dilution. Seeding density for adherent cells is given per unit surface area (cells/cm2), while suspension cells use volumetric density (cells/mL).

How often should I passage my cells?

Passage frequency depends on the cell line doubling time and the recommended confluency limit. Most adherent mammalian cells are passaged at 70-90% confluency, typically every 2-4 days. Suspension cells are passaged when they approach their maximum density. Primary cells and iPSCs need careful attention to passage number to avoid senescence or differentiation.