Calculator
Plotly Graph
The graph compares strength and volume values from your latest calculation.
Example Data Table
| Scenario | Dilution Factor | Stock Part | Diluent Part | Example Final 100 mL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1:2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 50 mL stock + 50 mL diluent |
| 1:5 | 5 | 1 | 4 | 20 mL stock + 80 mL diluent |
| 1:10 | 10 | 1 | 9 | 10 mL stock + 90 mL diluent |
| 1:20 | 20 | 1 | 19 | 5 mL stock + 95 mL diluent |
Formula Used
Dilution factor compares stock concentration with final concentration.
Dilution Factor = C₁ / C₂Dilution ratio can describe stock parts compared with total parts.
Dilution Ratio = Stock Part : Total PartWhen final volume is known, stock volume comes from C₁V₁ = C₂V₂.
V₁ = (C₂ × V₂) / C₁Diluent volume equals the final volume minus stock volume.
Diluent Volume = V₂ - V₁A 1:10 total ratio means one stock part within ten total parts.
That same mixture has a dilution factor of 10.
The solvent-only expression would be 1:9.
How to Use This Calculator
- Choose whether you know concentrations or ratio parts.
- Enter stock and target values using matching units.
- Add the final volume or known stock volume.
- Select preferred decimal places for cleaner reporting.
- Press calculate to show dilution factor and ratio.
- Review stock volume and diluent volume below the header.
- Use CSV or PDF export for lab records.
- Check the graph and example table for quick comparison.
FAQs
1. What is dilution factor?
Dilution factor shows how many times the original solution is reduced. It equals stock concentration divided by final concentration. A higher factor means a more diluted final mixture.
2. What is the difference between dilution factor and dilution ratio?
Dilution factor is a numeric multiplier. Dilution ratio expresses mixing parts. For example, a factor of 10 usually matches a total ratio of 1:10, or one stock part in ten total parts.
3. Is 1:10 the same as one part stock plus ten parts solvent?
Not always. In many lab settings, 1:10 means one stock part in ten total parts. That becomes one part stock plus nine parts diluent. Always confirm your lab convention.
4. Why must the target concentration be lower than stock concentration?
Dilution reduces concentration. If your target is equal to or higher than the stock, the problem is not a dilution. You would need either no change or a concentration method.
5. Can I use any concentration unit?
Yes, if both stock and target use the same unit. The math depends on consistent units. You can use mg/mL, mol/L, ppm, percent, or another matching unit.
6. Why does the calculator show stock and diluent volumes?
Those values help you prepare the solution directly. Stock volume tells how much concentrated solution to measure. Diluent volume tells how much solvent to add afterward.
7. What equation is used for concentration dilution?
The main equation is C₁V₁ = C₂V₂. It balances the amount of dissolved material before and after dilution, assuming the solute amount stays unchanged during mixing.
8. Can this help with serial dilutions?
Yes. You can use the calculator for each step in a serial plan. Compute one stage, prepare it, then use that new concentration as the next stock solution.