Dilution Calculator (C1V1 = C2V2)

Enter any three values to calculate the fourth. Private by design—everything runs locally in your browser.

Inputs

Enter initial concentration C1
Result:
Dilution factor
—
Aliquot (stock to pipette)
—
Solvent to add
—

Tips: Ctrl/Cmd + Enter calculates · Esc clears.

Understanding the Dilution Formula (C1V1 = C2V2)

The dilution equation relates a solution before and after dilution. The solute amount stays constant; you only change total volume by adding solvent.

  • C1 — initial concentration (e.g., M, mM, %)
  • V1 — aliquot volume taken from the stock
  • C2 — final concentration
  • V2 — final total volume
Dilution factor (DF): DF = C1/C2 = V2/V1. A DF of 10 is a 10× dilution (1 part stock + 9 parts solvent).

Rearrangements you’ll use

  • V1 = (C2 × V2) / C1 (aliquot to pipette)
  • V2 = (C1 × V1) / C2
  • C2 = (C1 × V1) / V2
  • C1 = (C2 × V2) / V1

Worked example

Goal: Make 500 mL of 0.10 M NaCl from a 1.0 M stock. V1 = (0.10×500)/1.0 = 50 mL. Pipette 50 mL of stock, then add solvent to 500 mL total (10× dilution).

Serial dilutions

Large dilutions are done in steps. For 106, do three sequential 1:100 dilutions (100 × 100 × 100).

For each 1:100: 10 µL stock + 990 µL solvent → 1000 µL total.

Units & compatibility

  • Concentration families must match between C1 and C2 (molarity family or percent family).
  • Volume units must match between V1 and V2.
  • Converting between molarity and percent needs density/MW; this tool treats them separately.

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