Used for inputs and outputs.
For labels only; ratios drive calculations.
Round volumes to this resolution (in selected units).
Optional overage to compensate handling losses.
Flag plans exceeding this deviation.
Displayed precision for outputs.
If using units, enter consistent numbers.
Ready
| Metric | Value | Notes |
|---|
D = Cstock/Cfinal.
Ready
| Metric | Value | Notes |
|---|
Total fold from stock to final.
Volume made each step (same units as selected).
Ready
| Step | Dstep | Take (from previous) | Add diluent | Total | Instruction |
|---|
Example data
| Scenario | Inputs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Single‑step: 100 → 1, final 10 mL | Cstock=100, Cfinal=1, Vfinal=10 mL | |
| By factor: D=20, final 1000 µL | D=20, Vfinal=1000 µL | |
| Serial: overall 1000 in 3 steps, 1 mL per step | D=1000, n=3, Vstep=1 mL |
Formulas used
- Dilution factor:
D = Cstock / Cfinal - Single‑step stock volume:
Vstock = Vfinal / D - Diluent volume:
Vdiluent = Vfinal − Vstock - Pipetting loss overage (optional):
Vfinal' = Vfinal × (1 + loss%/100) - Serial equal steps:
Dstep = D^(1/n); per step: takeVtake = Vtotal / Dstep, add diluentVadd = Vtotal − Vtake. - Achieved concentration check:
Cachieved = Cstock × (Vstock / Vfinal); deviation % =100 × |Cachieved − Cfinal| / Cfinal.
How to use this calculator
- Choose units and optional rounding, loss, and tolerance settings.
- Pick a tab: single‑step, by factor, or serial dilution.
- Enter inputs. Use consistent concentration numbers when using units.
- Click Compute. Review stock, diluent, and any flags shown.
- Adjust rounding or volumes to stay within tolerance if needed.
- Export your plan as CSV or PDF for records or sharing.
Always verify feasibility versus your lab’s minimum pipettable volumes and standard operating procedures.
Quick mixes for common dilution factors (10 mL final)
| D (fold) | Stock volume | Diluent volume | Stock fraction | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 5.000 mL | 5.000 mL | 50% | 1:1 mix |
| 3 | 3.333 mL | 6.667 mL | 33.33% | 1:2 mix |
| 4 | 2.500 mL | 7.500 mL | 25% | 1:3 mix |
| 5 | 2.000 mL | 8.000 mL | 20% | 1:4 mix |
| 8 | 1.250 mL | 8.750 mL | 12.5% | 1:7 mix |
| 10 | 1.000 mL | 9.000 mL | 10% | 1:9 mix |
| 20 | 0.500 mL | 9.500 mL | 5% | 1:19 mix |
| 50 | 0.200 mL | 9.800 mL | 2% | 1:49 mix |
| 100 | 0.100 mL | 9.900 mL | 1% | 1:99 mix |
Ratio ↔ dilution factor reference
| Ratio (stock:diluent) | Total parts | D (fold) | Stock fraction | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1:1 | 2 | 2 | 50% | Half stock, half diluent |
| 1:2 | 3 | 3 | 33.33% | One part stock, two parts diluent |
| 1:3 | 4 | 4 | 25% | Quarter stock |
| 1:4 | 5 | 5 | 20% | Fifth stock |
| 1:9 | 10 | 10 | 10% | Tenfold dilution |
| 1:19 | 20 | 20 | 5% | Twentyfold dilution |
| 1:99 | 100 | 100 | 1% | Hundredfold dilution |
Tenfold serial dilution ladder (1 mL per step)
Transfer 100 µL into 900 µL diluent at each step.
| Step | Cumulative dilution | Transfer | Diluent | Total | Instruction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1:10 | 100 µL | 900 µL | 1 mL | Mix stock into tube 1 |
| 2 | 1:100 | 100 µL | 900 µL | 1 mL | Take from tube 1 into tube 2 |
| 3 | 1:1,000 | 100 µL | 900 µL | 1 mL | From tube 2 into tube 3 |
| 4 | 1:10,000 | 100 µL | 900 µL | 1 mL | From tube 3 into tube 4 |
| 5 | 1:100,000 | 100 µL | 900 µL | 1 mL | From tube 4 into tube 5 |
| 6 | 1:1,000,000 | 100 µL | 900 µL | 1 mL | From tube 5 into tube 6 |