The number of viable microorganisms present at a given time in

a microbiology experiment can range greatly. For example, 100

million viable cells can quickly become zero viable cells in
many disinfectant tests.
To keep the individual numbers manageable, microbiologists usually express them
using scientific notation.
Similarly, when calculating the magnitute of the change in cell number, microbiologists often use
a logarithmic scale (log scale). Simply speaking, taking the log value of a large number, such as
the number of cells killed in a disinfectant test, transforms it into a smaller one that is easier to
work with.
Understandably, this "scientist shorthand" often prompts questions concerning how to translate
log reductions to percent reductions and vice versa.
A series of true mathematical statements showing a pattern is presented below. If you can
identify the pattern, then you are well on your way to understanding the relationship between log
reduction and percent reduction.

1 log reduction = 90% reduction

2 log reduction = 99% reduction

3 log reduction = 99.9% reduction

4 log reduction = 99.99% reduction

5 log reduction = 99.999% reduction

6 log reduction = 99.9999% reduction

As the series demonstrates, if a log reduction is a whole integer, then its numerical value equals
the number of nines in the percent reduction figure.
So, if you get a study report from our lab indicating a 2.5 log reduction, then you know it
corresponds to a percent reduction somewhere between 99% and 99.9%. However, because of
the way log scales work, a 2.5 log reduction does not equal a 99.5% reduction.

For the more mathematically minded, formulas are presented below for percent reduction
calculations, log reduction calculations, and finally a formula is presented which will allow people
to go back and forth between the two.

Percent Reduction Calculation

Log Reduction Calculation

Formula to Convert Log Reduction to Percent Reduction

Formula to Convert Percent Reduction to Log Reduction

Some More Math for the Nerds*

*At Microchem Laboratory, being a nerd is a good thing