10X TBE Buffer Calculator
Scale a fixed 10X Tris-borate-EDTA electrophoresis buffer recipe from Tris base, boric acid, and 0.5 M EDTA solution at pH 8.0.
Select a reviewed preset and enter the final volume to prepare.
| Reagent | Formula | Amount or action |
|---|---|---|
| Tris basefree base | 108 g | |
| Boric acidanhydrous | 55 g | |
| 0.5 M EDTA solution, pH 8.0prepared aqueous stock | 40 mL | |
| Purified water | Bring the total solution volume to 1 L. Do not add 1 L of water; add water only until the total solution reaches 1 L. |
How to prepare 10X TBE
- Add the calculated Tris base and boric acid to approximately 70–80% of the selected final volume of purified water.
- Stir until both solids dissolve completely.
- Add the calculated volume of 0.5 M EDTA solution, pH 8.0 and mix thoroughly.
- Bring to the selected final volume with purified water.
About This Buffer
TBE, or Tris-borate-EDTA, is widely used for nucleic acid electrophoresis in agarose and polyacrylamide gels. It uses borate rather than acetate as part of the buffer system. This page scales a fixed 10X TBE stock prepared from Tris base, boric acid, and a source-defined 0.5 M EDTA solution at pH 8.0; the reviewed preset does not specify a separate final-stock pH adjustment.
Common questions
Is the 10X TBE stock pH adjusted?
This fixed preset contains no separate pH-adjustment operation. It is prepared from the listed components and brought to volume.
How do I prepare 1X TBE from 10X stock?
Use a 1:10 dilution of the completed 10X stock when a protocol calls for 1X TBE.
How is TBE different from TAE on ChemH?
TBE uses boric acid and is published as a 10X stock, while TAE uses glacial acetic acid and is published as a 50X stock.
Sources and review notes
The source for the currently selected preset appears first. Recipe quantities remain tied to the cited article location.
10X TBE
Source location: Reagents — exact 10X TBE formulation using a source-defined 0.5 M EDTA solution at pH 8.0; the EDTA salt and hydration state are not specified.
Preparation method: Source-stated quantitative composition