Mutation Rate Calculator
🧬 Genetics & evolution. Use the Mutation rate formula to find mutation rate, mutations, bases, generations: pick the value you want, type the others, and the answer updates as you go.
Pick the ○ next to the value you want to find, fill in the others, and it solves as you type.
What each letter means
| Quantity | Unit |
|---|---|
| Mutation rate | per base per generation |
| Mutations | no unit |
| Bases | no unit |
| Generations | no unit |
Worked example
Find the mutation rate when Mutations = 72, Bases = 3 × 10⁹, Generations = 2.
Using μ = mutations/(bases × generations): Mutation rate = 1.2 × 10⁻⁸ per base per generation.
Frequently asked questions
What is the formula for Mutation rate?
μ = mutations/(bases × generations).
What do the letters stand for, and what units are used?
Mutation rate in per base per generation, Mutations, Bases, Generations.
How do you calculate mutation rate?
Put the values into μ = mutations/(bases × generations). For example, with Mutations = 72, Bases = 3 × 10⁹, Generations = 2, mutation rate = 1.2 × 10⁻⁸ per base per generation.
Can I solve for a different value?
Yes. In the calculator above, pick the circle next to any value (mutation rate, mutations, bases, generations) and fill in the others: it rearranges the formula for you.
