Dilution Calculator

Instantly calculate stock volumes, final concentrations, or target volumes for chemical solutions, reagents, buffers, cleaning concentrates, PCR setup, and routine lab dilution.

Leave one field blank — it will be calculated

💡 Tip: Leave exactly one field blank. The calculator will solve for the missing variable.

How the Dilution Equation Works

C₁V₁ = C₂V₂

The dilution formula C₁V₁ = C₂V₂ is derived from the conservation of moles of solute. When you dilute a solution, the amount of solute doesn't change — only the volume increases, which lowers the concentration. This relationship holds true for any dilution where no chemical reaction occurs.

SymbolVariableDescription
C₁Initial concentrationConcentration of the starting stock solution before dilution.
V₁Volume of stock addedVolume of concentrated stock solution you transfer into the final solution.
C₂Final concentrationTarget concentration of the diluted (working) solution.
V₂Final total volumeTotal volume of the diluted solution after adding solvent.

How to Use This Calculator

  1. 1

    Know three values

    You need any three of the four variables (C₁, V₁, C₂, V₂). The fourth will be calculated for your stock solution, reagent, or concentrate.

  2. 2

    Choose matching units

    Select the same concentration unit for C₁ and C₂. Select the same volume unit for V₁ and V₂. Convert percent, ppm, or ratio labels before using the formula.

  3. 3

    Leave one field blank

    Click into the field you want to solve and clear it. The blank field is your unknown.

  4. 4

    Click Calculate

    Your result appears instantly. The solvent note below tells you how much diluent to add to reach the final volume.

Chemical Dilution Calculator Use Cases

C₁V₁ = C₂V₂ is useful whenever the solute amount stays the same and you are only changing concentration by adding solvent.

  • Prepare a working reagent from a concentrated stock solution.
  • Dilute a cleaning or disinfectant concentrate to a target working strength.
  • Make buffer, stain, dye, salt, acid, base, or standard solutions when no reaction changes the solute amount.
  • Scale a lab protocol from microliters to milliliters while keeping the same final concentration.

Chemical Dilution vs Serial Dilution

A single dilution uses one stock and one final solution. A serial dilution is a chain of single dilutions, where each step uses the previous tube as the new stock.

  • For one-step dilution, enter the original stock concentration as C₁ and the target concentration as C₂.
  • For serial dilution, calculate each step separately and use the result from one step as the stock for the next.
  • For fold dilutions such as 1:10, the stock volume is final volume divided by the dilution factor.

Safety Notes for Chemical Dilutions

The math only tells you volume and concentration. It does not check chemical compatibility, heat release, fumes, PPE, or container limits.

  • Read the SDS before diluting hazardous chemicals.
  • For acids, follow your lab or workplace procedure; many acid dilutions require adding acid to water, not water to acid.
  • Use compatible containers and account for heat, gas, or precipitation if the solution can react during mixing.
  • Do not use this calculator to decide medical dosing, pesticide application, or regulated chemical handling without qualified guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

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