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What is the diameter of a Petri dish?

Published in Lab Equipment 2 mins read

The diameter of a Petri dish is not a single, fixed value. According to the reference, Petri dishes have two relevant diameter measurements: an inner diameter and an outer diameter.

Petri Dish Diameters Explained

Petri dishes are commonly used in biology and microbiology labs for culturing cells and microorganisms. Understanding their dimensions is essential for accurate experiments.

Here's a breakdown of the relevant diameters:

Diameter Type Measurement
Inner Diameter 88 mm
Outer Diameter (with lid) 92.4 mm

Key Points

  • Inner Diameter: The inner diameter of 88mm refers to the space available within the dish, where the culture medium is typically placed. This is the critical measurement for determining the growth area.
  • Outer Diameter: The outer diameter of 92.4 mm includes the lid. This measurement is important for storage and handling and ensures that the lid fits securely.
  • Design Features: The reference states that these dishes are designed for easy one-hand opening and closing. The edges are squared off to provide a firm grip.

Therefore, when referring to the diameter of a Petri dish, it's important to specify whether you are talking about the inner diameter (88mm) or the outer diameter (92.4mm with lid).

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