Dilution Calculator: what this tool is for
The online dilution calculator solves the fundamental conservation equation C1 × V1 = C2 × V2 (or M1V1 = M2V2) to accurately determine required volumes and concentrations for laboratory dilution workflows.
Dilution is the standard laboratory procedure of reducing a solute's concentration in a stock solution by adding more solvent, without altering the total quantity of dissolved solute.
This tool solves for any missing variable: stock volume to pipette (V1), final diluted concentration (C2), total prepared volume (V2), or minimum stock concentration required (C1).
It also computes the exact dilution factor F (such as 1:10 or 10X) and the volume of diluent (distilled water, buffer) needed to reach the target volume mark precisely.
A step-by-step pipetting protocol is generated automatically to guide experimental work with graduated pipettes, micropipettes, and volumetric glassware.
No file stored
Nothing is saved on our servers, during or after processing.
Local processing
The computation runs in your browser whenever the technology allows it.
Instant result
No waiting and no export queue: the result appears live.
Free, no account
No sign-up, no daily limit and no intrusive ads.
What this tool gives you
Automated C1V1 = C2V2 Calculation
Instantly find the required stock volume or resulting target concentration without manual algebraic rearrangement errors.
Dilution Factor and Diluent Volume
Directly obtain the exact dilution ratio (1:N or NX) and the precise solvent volume to add to the sampled stock.
Common Standard Dilution Shortcuts
Apply classic laboratory dilution ratios with one click: 1:2 (2X), 1:5 (5X), 1:10 (10X), 1:20, 1:50, or 1:100.
Multi-Unit Support
Mix and match units including M, mM, µM, g/L, mg/mL, percent, and ppm with seamless and coherent scaling.
Real-world examples
Practical dilution applications commonly encountered across analytical chemistry, biochemistry, and molecular biology.
Diluting 1 M NaCl stock solution to 50 mM
To prepare 200 mL of 50 mM (0.05 M) NaCl from a 1 M stock, calculate V1 = (0.05 M × 200 mL) / 1 M = 10 mL of stock solution, combined with 190 mL of solvent.
Diluting a 50X electrophoresis buffer to 1X
To make 1 L of 1X running buffer from a 50X concentrated stock, the dilution factor is 50. Pipette V1 = 1000 mL / 50 = 20 mL of stock and add 980 mL of deionized water.
How to use Dilution Calculator
Select the target variable to solve
Choose what to calculate: stock volume to pipette (V1), final target concentration (C2), total final volume (V2), or stock concentration (C1).
Enter initial and final concentrations
Specify the concentration of your available stock solution (C1) and your desired target concentration (C2).
Specify solution volume
Enter the desired final volume for your experimental assay (e.g., 100 mL, 500 mL, 1 L).
Review results and benchtop protocol
View the required stock volume, solvent addition volume, and copy the step-by-step pipetting guide.
Tips and mistakes to avoid
Mind non-ideal volume additivity
For dilute aqueous solutions, V_solvent = V2 - V1 is highly accurate. For concentrated ethanol-water mixtures, always bring to volume using a volumetric flask mark.
Use serial dilutions for large dilution ratios
For dilution factors exceeding 1:1000, perform serial dilutions (e.g., two sequential 1:50 steps) to maintain pipetting accuracy and avoid sub-microliter dispensing.
Invert thoroughly to homogenize
After adjusting to the calibration mark, stopper the flask and invert 5-10 times to ensure uniform concentration throughout the vessel.
Avoid : Attempting to dilute to a higher concentration
Dilution can only decrease concentration. Stock concentration C1 must always be strictly greater than target concentration C2.
Avoid : Confusing a 1:10 dilution with a 1:10 solute:solvent ratio
A 1:10 (one-tenth) dilution means 1 volume of stock in a TOTAL volume of 10 parts (1 part stock + 9 parts solvent), not 1 part stock + 10 parts solvent.
Frequently asked questions
Answers to the questions people ask about Dilution Calculator.
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Updated on August 2026. See all tools