0.5 M Tris-HCl pH 6.8 (stacking gel buffer) recipe

Base: 1 L · pH 6.8 (adjust with HCl) · Updated 2026-10-01

The buffer for the SDS-PAGE stacking (upper) gel.

🧮 Volume calculator
ComponentAmount Final concentration (1X)
Tris base15.14 g0.5 M
Concentrated HClas neededto pH 6.8
Water (distilled)to final volume

Steps

  1. Dissolve Tris base in about 70% of the final volume of water.
  2. Adjust to pH 6.8 with HCl (it takes quite a lot).
  3. Bring to the final volume with water.
  4. Filter and store at 4 °C.

FAQ

Can I use 1 M Tris pH 6.8 instead?

Yes — use half the volume and add the difference as water; the final concentration (125 mM) is the same.

This is a widely used standard composition. Amounts depend on the hydrate form and purity of your reagents — check the formula weight (FW) on the bottle and follow your institution's safety rules and the manufacturers' instructions.