About the Dilution Calculator
What is the Dilution Calculator?
Diluting a stock solution keeps the amount of solute the same while increasing the volume. This dilution calculator solves C₁V₁ = C₂V₂ for whichever value you need.
It also tells you how much solvent to add and the dilution factor.
How to use the Dilution Calculator
- Find (sample: Volume of stock needed (V₁))
- Stock Concentration C₁ (sample: 1)
- Stock Volume V₁ (mL) (sample: 10)
- Final Concentration C₂ (sample: 0.1)
- Final Volume V₂ (mL) (sample: 100)
- Press Solve C₁V₁ = C₂V₂ (results also refresh as you type). The result card shows the Result, along with Solved for, Solvent to add, Dilution factor and Units.
Formula used
C₁ × V₁ = C₂ × V₂
- C₁, V₁ = stock concentration and volume used
- C₂, V₂ = final concentration and volume
Any concentration unit works (M, %, mg/mL) as long as C₁ and C₂ use the same one.
Worked example
These are the sample values already filled in the calculator above, and the result it returns for them:
| Input | Sample value |
|---|---|
| Find | Volume of stock needed (V₁) |
| Stock Concentration C₁ | 1 |
| Stock Volume V₁ (mL) | 10 |
| Final Concentration C₂ | 0.1 |
| Final Volume V₂ (mL) | 100 |
| Result | Value |
|---|---|
| Result | 10 mL |
| Solved for | Stock volume needed |
| Solvent to add | 90 mL |
| Dilution factor | 10× |
| Units | Concentrations can be in any unit (M, %, mg/mL) as long as C₁ and C₂ match |
Tips for using the Dilution Calculator
- When diluting acids, always add acid to water, never water to acid.
- For large dilutions, dilute in steps (serial dilution) for accuracy.