Calculator inputs
Choose dilution mode, enter your bleach properties and water volume, then press Calculate. All calculations are approximate and assume fresh sodium hypochlorite solution.
Example mixing scenarios
The table below shows typical example combinations for household, facility, and tank disinfection. Use the calculator to adjust values for your own situation.
| Application | Stock strength (%) | Target chlorine (ppm) | Water volume (L) | Bleach volume (mL) | Approximate ratio (bleach : water) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Household surface sanitizing bucket | 5.25 | 500 | 10 | 95 | 1 : 105 |
| Laundry disinfection cycle | 5.25 | 150 | 50 | 135 | 1 : 370 |
| Small storage tank shock chlorination | 12 | 50 | 1000 | 380 | 1 : 2630 |
| Well rehabilitation dose | 12 | 200 | 500 | 190 | 1 : 2490 |
Formulas used in this calculator
Percentage dilution mode (C1V1 = C2V2)
In percentage mode, the calculator uses the classical dilution formula: C1 × V1 = C2 × V2, where C represents concentration in percent and V represents volume in the same units.
- C1 – initial stock solution percentage.
- C2 – desired final solution percentage.
- V2 – final total volume you want to prepare.
- V1 – volume of stock solution needed, computed as V1 = (C2 × V2) / C1.
The required water volume is then Vwater = V2 − V1. The calculator converts between liters, milliliters, and gallons to present results in both milliliters and liters.
Target chlorine concentration mode (ppm)
In ppm mode, the goal is to reach a target free chlorine concentration in water, expressed as milligrams per liter (mg/L, numerically equal to ppm).
- Chlorine mass required = target ppm × water volume in liters.
- Available chlorine per milliliter of bleach ≈ density × 1000 × available% / 100.
- Required bleach volume (mL) = chlorine mass required / available chlorine per mL.
The density input allows you to refine calculations for different commercial products. Outputs are shown in milliliters, liters, and US fluid ounces, plus an approximate bleach to water ratio.
How to use this calculator
- Select Percentage dilution if both stock and target strengths are given as percentages.
- Select Target free chlorine in ppm if guidance specifies a chlorine ppm level.
- Enter your stock solution strength from the product label and the desired target concentration.
- Enter the total water volume or final solution volume, choosing appropriate units.
- Adjust bleach density if you know a value different from the default.
- Click Calculate to view bleach and water volumes and the approximate mixing ratio.
- Review the results, apply safety precautions, and repeat the calculation for additional containers or tanks.
Sodium hypochlorite mixing in water – detailed overview
Importance of correct sodium hypochlorite dilution
Correctly diluting sodium hypochlorite is essential for reliable water disinfection. Too little active chlorine leaves microorganisms alive, while excessive strength wastes product and may create corrosion or taste problems in domestic or industrial systems. Consistent dilution practice also supports compliance with internal hygiene protocols and regulatory guidance.
Understanding concentration units and product labels
Commercial bleach labels usually express strength as percentage available chlorine, such as five, ten, or twelve percent. Water treatment guidelines, however, frequently refer to milligrams per liter or parts per million, making quick mental conversions difficult during busy plant or field work. The calculator bridges these descriptions, translating label information into practical dosing values.
Using the mixing ratio calculator interface
This calculator lets you choose between percentage dilution and target chlorine concentration in parts per million. Enter stock solution strength, desired final concentration, and total treated volume, selecting units that match your container or reservoir. The tool instantly returns how much bleach and how much clean water you must combine, reducing manual spreadsheet work.
Example calculations for household disinfection
For household applications like surface sanitizing, laundry disinfection, or emergency drinking water treatment, simply select your bottle strength and container size. The calculator then suggests a practical bleach volume, helping non specialists match recommendations from public health agencies, training manuals, or safety datasheets. Users can quickly repeat calculations for buckets, storage jugs, or spray bottles.
Mixing for storage tanks and wells
Facility managers often shock disinfect storage tanks, pipelines, or small wells to control microbial growth and biofilm. By entering large volumes in liters, cubic meters, or gallons, the calculator scales formulas automatically and reports convenient figures in liters and milliliters. This reduces arithmetic mistakes when planning overnight disinfection runs or periodic maintenance flushing schedules for building systems.
Safety, handling, and storage considerations
Sodium hypochlorite decomposes with heat, sunlight, and time, gradually losing strength. Always verify product dates, store containers in cool shaded areas, and avoid mixing bleach with acids, ammonia, or organic products. The calculator assumes fresh solution; older stock may require stronger nominal percentages or compensated target concentrations, based on onsite testing or supplier data.
Related tools for construction and facility maintenance
Construction and maintenance teams often prepare coatings and treatments alongside disinfectant solutions. Our 2K paint mixing ratio calculator helps balance hardener and base precisely. The concrete mix ratio calculator supports planning material and wash water requirements together. Together, these tools streamline planning for cleaning, coating, disinfection tasks across workshops, plants, construction sites, and large building facilities.
Frequently asked questions
What information do I need before starting a calculation?
You should know the labeled strength of your sodium hypochlorite solution, the desired target concentration, and the volume of water or final solution that you plan to treat.
Which mode should I choose, percentage or ppm?
Use percentage mode when both stock and target are described as percentages. Choose ppm mode when guidelines describe free chlorine in milligrams per liter or parts per million.
Can this calculator handle very large storage tanks or reservoirs?
Yes. Enter the total water volume using liters, cubic meter equivalents, or gallons. The calculator scales the formulas automatically and reports bleach volumes in convenient units for field dosing.
Does the calculator account for water temperature or pH effects?
No. The tool focuses on concentration and volume relationships only. Temperature, pH, organic load, and contact time should be evaluated using relevant standards, field measurements, or professional water treatment guidance.
Is this calculator suitable for critical drinking water applications?
The calculator can support planning doses, but final decisions for drinking water treatment must follow local regulations, authoritative public health recommendations, and, when necessary, laboratory or onsite verification of free chlorine levels.
Why might my results differ from simple label instructions?
Product labels sometimes use rounded values, simplified ratios, or built-in safety margins. This calculator uses explicit formulas and user supplied parameters, so calculated volumes may differ slightly from simplified instructions while remaining consistent with underlying dilution principles.