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NGS Workflow

NGS coverage calculator (average depth)

Estimate average NGS coverage from target size and read count (PE/SE) or total yield (Gb). Include usable, mapping, on-target, and duplicate rates, and back-calculate data needed for a target depth.

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How to use (3 steps)

  1. Select an example or enter target size (genome size / total target region).
  2. Enter read count (PE/SE) or total yield (Gb).
  3. Average depth appears. Adjust factors or use inverse calculation if needed.

This is an estimate. Real coverage is not uniform and varies with duplicates, GC bias, design, and analysis. Verify with QC coverage distributions.

Inputs

Target size

WGS uses genome size; Exome/Panel uses total target size (bp).

Examples: 3.2 Gb (human WGS approx) / 50 Mb (human exome approx)

Input mode

Factors (0–1)

You can keep defaults for a rough estimate.

Options

≥k× is a Poisson-based guide assuming uniform random coverage. Real data varies (at high depth, a normal approximation may be used).

Results (average depth)

Average depth (×)
Target size
Input mode
effective factor
Inverse (required data)
≥k× (guide)

Intermediate calculations (raw → usable → mapped → on-target → unique)

step bases (auto units)

≥k× proportion (guide)

threshold P(depth ≥ k)

Guide based on Poisson with mean depth λ (not definitive due to non-uniform coverage).

How it’s calculated

Average depth is useful, but uniformity is separate. Confirm with coverage distribution QC.

FAQ

How many reads are needed for 30× WGS?

It depends on target size, read length, and factors (mapping rate, etc.). Use inverse calculation for your conditions.

What is the on-target rate?

A rough fraction of usable reads that land on the target region (varies by kit/conditions).

If the average depth is the same, is every region the same depth?

No. The average is just an average, and real coverage varies. Use this as a guide.

Is the ≥k× proportion accurate?

It is a Poisson-based guide assuming uniform random coverage. Real data varies.

Comments

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