Microscope Cell Counter
Manually tally cells by category.
Tap, click or press Space to keep count.
Tap anywhere inside or press Space
How the Microscope Cell Counter Works
The Microscope Cell Counter tallies cells by category while you look through the eyepiece, with one key or button per cell type, and stops at a set total such as 100 cells.
- Set the categories: Add cell types, such as neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils.
- Set the total: Choose a stop count, such as 100 or 200 cells.
- Tap without looking: Assign each category a large zone or a keyboard key, and tap as you identify each cell.
- Read the differential: At the stop count, the tool shows count and percent for each category.
Microscope Cell Counter Formula
The Microscope Cell Counter cell concentration from a hemocytometer equals the average count per square multiplied by the dilution factor and 10,000.
- Average per large square
- Mean cells in a 1 mm × 1 mm square
- Dilution
- Dilution factor, such as 2 for 1:1 trypan blue
- 10⁴
- Converts the 0.1 µL square volume to 1 mL
Example: Four squares hold 48, 52, 45 and 55 cells, an average of 50. Dilution = 2. Cells/mL = 50 × 2 × 10,000 = 1,000,000 (1 × 10⁶).
Microscope Cell Counter Reference Table
The Microscope Cell Counter conversion table lists adult reference ranges for a 100-cell white blood cell differential.
| Cell type | Typical percent | Count in 100 cells | Typical absolute (× 10⁹/L) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Neutrophils | 40% to 70% | 40 to 70 | 2.0 to 7.0 |
| Lymphocytes | 20% to 40% | 20 to 40 | 1.0 to 3.0 |
| Monocytes | 2% to 10% | 2 to 10 | 0.2 to 1.0 |
| Eosinophils | 1% to 6% | 1 to 6 | 0.02 to 0.5 |
| Basophils | 0% to 2% | 0 to 2 | 0.02 to 0.1 |
About the Microscope Cell Counter
A Microscope Cell Counter is a digital differential counter for tallying cells by type during manual microscopy. The tool replaces the mechanical multi-key counters used in labs.
Manual differentials and hemocytometer counts remain standard in teaching labs and as a check on automated analyzers. Reference ranges differ between labs, so local ranges take priority over the values above.
Ways to Use the Microscope Cell Counter
The Microscope Cell Counter has 5 key uses, including blood differentials and cell culture counts.
- Blood differentials: Lab staff count 100 white blood cells by type.
- Cell culture counts: Researchers count cells on a hemocytometer before seeding.
- Viability checks: Teams count live and dead cells with trypan blue.
- Pollen and spore counts: Analysts count grains by type on a slide.
- Teaching labs: Students practice manual counts in biology classes.
Tool Details
- Category
- Auditing & Research
- Controls
- Taps and keys
- Input Support
- Touch, Pen, Mouse, Keys
- Offline Ready
- On your device