Microalgal biovolume is commonly calculated to assess the relative abundanc
e (as biomass or carbon) of co-occurring algae varying in shape and/or size
. However, a standardized set of equations for biovolume calculations from
microscopically measured linear dimensions that includes the entire range o
f microalgal shapes is not available yet, In comparison with automated meth
ods, the use of microscopical measurements allows high taxonomic resolution
, up to the species level, and has fewer sources of error. We present a set
of geometric shapes and mathematical equations for calculating biovolumes
of >850 pelagic and benthic marine and freshwater microalgal genera, The eq
uations are designed to minimize the effort of microscopic measurement. The
similarities and differences between our proposal for standardization and
previously published proposals are discussed and recommendations for qualit
y standards given.