The Enrichment Ratio Calculator measures the effectiveness of an enrichment process by comparing the proportion of a target substance in an enriched sample to its proportion in the original sample. This is commonly used in fields such as molecular biology, genomics, chemical engineering, metallurgy, and environmental studies. It helps researchers and technicians evaluate how well a process increases the concentration of a desired element or compound. The calculator is part of the Scientific Analysis and Biostatistics Calculator category.
The enrichment ratio provides a quick and reliable way to understand how concentrated a target becomes after a treatment, filtering, or separation process.
Formula of Enrichment Ratio Calculator
Enrichment Ratio = Proportion in Enriched Sample / Proportion in Original Sample
Detailed Breakdown:
- Proportion in Enriched Sample: The concentration or frequency of the target component after enrichment (e.g., 0.4 or 40%)
- Proportion in Original Sample: The concentration or frequency of the target component before enrichment (e.g., 0.1 or 10%)
The result is a dimensionless ratio, where a value greater than 1 indicates successful enrichment, and a value less than or equal to 1 may suggest no enrichment or even dilution.
Quick Reference Table
This table provides approximate enrichment ratios based on different before-and-after concentrations:
| Original Proportion | Enriched Proportion | Enrichment Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| 0.05 (5%) | 0.15 (15%) | 3.0 |
| 0.10 (10%) | 0.25 (25%) | 2.5 |
| 0.20 (20%) | 0.40 (40%) | 2.0 |
| 0.08 (8%) | 0.16 (16%) | 2.0 |
| 0.05 (5%) | 0.05 (5%) | 1.0 |
Use this table to quickly estimate how much enrichment has occurred in your sample.
Example of Enrichment Ratio Calculator
Let’s say a laboratory experiment began with a DNA fragment concentration of 0.02 (2%), and after applying a target-specific enrichment method, the concentration rose to 0.12 (12%).
Step 1:
Apply the formula:
Enrichment Ratio = 0.12 / 0.02 = 6.0
This means the enrichment process increased the target concentration 6 times, indicating a strong enrichment result.
Most Common FAQs
An enrichment ratio greater than 1 shows improvement. Ratios above 2 or 3 are generally considered strong, but it depends on the field and desired application.
Yes. Just convert percentages to decimals before using the formula. For example, 25% becomes 0.25.
It is widely used in biology (e.g., DNA sequencing), chemistry (e.g., isotope separation), environmental testing, and even in industrial material refinement.