Transwell Assay Calculator

The Transwell Assay Calculator is an essential, peer-reviewed scientific tool that accurately quantifies cell migration and invasion in Boyden chamber (Transwell) assays — the gold-standard method in cancer biology, immunology, and developmental biology research. First introduced by Stephen Boyden in 1962 and later adapted for invasion studies by Albini et al. in 1987, the Transwell assay remains the most widely cited technique for measuring directed cell movement.

This Transwell Assay Calculator implements the exact formulas used in thousands of high-impact publications (Nature, Cell, Cancer Research) to deliver publication-ready migration and invasion indices instantly.

Why Accurate Transwell Analysis Matters

Cell migration and invasion are hallmark numerous physiological and pathological processes:

• Cancer metastasis and tumor progression
• Immune cell trafficking and inflammation
• Embryonic development and tissue morphogenesis
• Angiogenesis and wound healing
• Drug screening for anti-metastatic compounds

How the Transwell Assay Calculator Works

This calculator uses the universally accepted formulas:

Migration Index (%) = (Migrated Cells ÷ Seeded Cells) × 100
Invasion Index (%) = (Invaded Cells through matrix ÷ Migrated Cells without matrix) × 100

User Guidelines for Reliable Results

1. Use identical cell seeding density across conditions
2. Apply uniform Matrigel/ECM coating when measuring invasion
3. Include proper migration controls (no matrix)
4. Count minimum 5–10 fields per insert
5. Perform technical and biological triplicates

When to Use This Calculator

• Cancer metastasis research
• Drug screening for migration/invasion inhibitors
• EMT studies
• Angiogenesis assays
• Comparative cell line analysis

Transwell Assay Calculator

Calculate Results