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Tumor Growth Model Explorer

Compare exponential, logistic and Gompertz growth curves and their very different implications for doubling time as a tumor approaches carrying capacity.

  • tumor growth
  • differential equations
  • doubling time
  • Gompertz

Tumor growth models

K = 100010020030040050060070001000200030004000500060007000Time (days)Volume (cm³)
ExponentialLogisticGompertz

Instantaneous doubling time vs. current volume

01020304050607080900100200300400500Current volume (cm³)Doubling time (days)
ExponentialLogisticGompertz
Exponential doubling time is a constant; the others are not
With r = 0.010/day, the exponential doubling time is 69 days regardless of current volume. Logistic and Gompertz growth both decelerate as V approaches K, so their doubling time grows without bound — the same instantaneous growth rate implies very different long-run trajectories depending on which mechanism actually governs the tumor.