Dilution Calculator (C1V1 = C2V2)
Solve C1V1 = C2V2 for any one value, or plan a serial dilution with transfer and diluent volumes for each step.
Stock volume (V₁)
Working
About this tool
Work out how much stock to transfer for a single dilution, or lay out a full serial dilution. In single mode any one of C1, V1, C2 or V2 can be solved. In serial mode you get the concentration, transfer volume and diluent volume for each tube.
How to use it
- Choose single or serial mode.
- For a single dilution, choose the unknown and enter the other three values. Both concentrations must use the same kind of unit (molar or mass per volume).
- For a serial dilution, enter the starting concentration, the dilution factor, the number of steps and the volume per tube.
Formula f(x)
C1 × V1 = C2 × V2
The amount of solute is unchanged by dilution, so the product of concentration and volume is the same before and after. Diluent to add = V2 − V1.
Serial: Ck = C0 / Fk; transfer V / F into V − V / F of diluent.
Worked example check your setup
Make 1 mL of 100 µM from a 10 mM stock: V1 = (100 µM × 1 mL) ÷ 10 000 µM = 10 µL of stock plus 990 µL of diluent (a 1:100 dilution).