Centrifuge Calculator
Convert between RPM and RCF (relative centrifugal force) for laboratory centrifuges
Centrifuge Speed Calculator
Distance from center of rotation to sample
Rotor speed in revolutions per minute
Centrifuge Results
Formula used: RCF = 11.18 × radius × (RPM/1000)²
Input values: Radius = 0.00 cm
Angular velocity: ω = 0.00 rad/s
Centrifuge Analysis
Example Calculation
Lab Centrifuge
Rotor radius: 10 cm
Speed: 3,000 RPM
Application: Cell separation
Calculation
RCF = 11.18 × radius × (RPM/1000)²
RCF = 11.18 × 10 × (3000/1000)²
RCF = 11.18 × 10 × 9
RCF = 1,006 ×g
Centrifuge Types
Low-Speed
Up to 5,000 RPM
Cell culture, blood separation
Medium-Speed
5,000-20,000 RPM
Protein purification, PCR cleanup
High-Speed
20,000-50,000 RPM
Subcellular fractionation
Ultracentrifuge
50,000+ RPM
Virus purification, density gradients
Centrifuge Tips
Always balance tubes properly to prevent damage
Use RCF (×g) rather than RPM for reproducibility
Check rotor specifications and maximum speeds
Different rotors have different radius values
Understanding Centrifuge Speed and Force
What is RCF?
RCF (Relative Centrifugal Force) is the force acting on samples in a centrifuge, expressed as multiples of Earth's gravity (×g). It's the universal parameter that ensures reproducible centrifugation regardless of the specific centrifuge model used.
What is RPM?
RPM (Revolutions per Minute) indicates how fast the rotor spins. However, the actual force depends on both RPM and rotor radius, making RCF a more reliable parameter for protocols.
Conversion Formula
RCF = 11.18 × r × (RPM/1000)²
- RCF: Relative centrifugal force (×g)
- r: Rotor radius (cm)
- RPM: Revolutions per minute
- 11.18: Conversion constant
Why Use RCF?
Reproducibility
Same force across different centrifuges
Protocol Standardization
Independent of specific equipment
Scientific Accuracy
Force is what matters for separation
Common Applications
Cell Pelleting
300-1,000 ×g for 5-10 minutes
DNA/RNA Precipitation
12,000-16,000 ×g for 10-30 minutes
Protein Purification
10,000-20,000 ×g for various times