96 well plate types and well shapes, in plain language

Well shapes

Flat bottom gives an optical window for plate readers and microscopy; it is the assay and culture default. U bottom (round) suits mixing, washing, and cell work where you want no corners. V bottom (conical) funnels small volumes to a point for maximum recovery and clean centrifugation pellets. Square wells in deep well plates maximize storage volume per footprint.

Materials

Polypropylene is the chemical resistant default for storage, PCR, and deep well work; it tolerates DMSO and freezing. Polystyrene is the clear optical material for assay and culture plates; it is not for solvent storage. Glass coated polypropylene adds a glass well surface for compound storage where adsorption to plastic skews results.

Sealing is part of the plate choice

A plate is only as good as its seal during storage and transport. Adhesive films are cheap and fine for short runs, heat seal films are the tightest for PCR, and reusable silicone cap mats suit deep well plates that get opened repeatedly, because they reseal instead of tearing. Match the seal to how long the plate sits and how many times it opens, not just to price.

Related guides

• the 384 well plate guide: formats, a 384 vs 96 comparison, and templates
• best deep well plates by job, plus sealing and KingFisher fit guides
• the cell culture plate guide: treated vs untreated, formats, and surfaces
• the ELISA plate guide: binding surfaces, coating, and assay setup

Common questions