A computer-implemented method for designing a digital PCR (dPCR) experiment is provided. The method includes receiving, from a user, a selection of optimization type. The optimization type may be maximizing the dynamic range, minimizing the number of substrates including reaction sites needed for the experiment, determining a dilution factor, or determining the lower limit of detection, for example. The method further includes receiving, from the user, a precision measure for an experiment, and a minimum concentration of a target in a reaction site for the experiment. The method also includes determining a set of dPCR experiment design factors for the experiment based on the optimization type. The set of dPCR experiment design factors is then displayed to the user.