Calculator inputs
Formula used
The calculator applies a volume-weighted average to determine the final concentration of the mixture.
- Total volume = VA + VB
- Final concentration = (VA × CA + VB × CB) ÷ (VA + VB)
- Liquid A share (%) = VA ÷ (VA + VB) × 100
- Liquid B share (%) = VB ÷ (VA + VB) × 100
Here VA and VB are the volumes of liquids A and B, while CA and CB are their concentrations in percent.
How to use this calculator
- Enter the volume of Liquid A and Liquid B using the same unit.
- Specify the concentration of each liquid in percent (%).
- Choose the unit label that matches your measurement tools.
- Press Calculate mixing ratio to generate results.
- Review the final concentration and volume shares for each component.
- Export the summary table as CSV or print and save as PDF.
Example data table
The example below shows typical mixing scenarios for two-component liquid systems.
| Liquid A volume | Liquid B volume | Unit | Conc A (%) | Conc B (%) | Final conc (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 500 | 250 | mL | 30 | 10 | 23.33 |
| 2.0 | 1.0 | L | 15 | 5 | 11.67 |
| 1.5 | 3.0 | L | 40 | 0 | 13.33 |
Article: working with liquid mixing ratios
1. Understanding liquid mixing ratios
Liquid mixing ratios describe the proportion of two or more components combined to create a final blend. They are usually expressed as part-to-part relationships, such as 2:1 or 4:3, and help maintain consistent properties in coatings, cleaners, fuels, fertilizers, and industrial solutions. Expressing formulas as ratios also simplifies scaling batches up or down without recalculating every individual component each time.
2. Inputs required by this calculator
This calculator accepts volumes for two liquids, their concentration percentages, and a common unit such as milliliters, liters, or gallons. By using shared units, the volume ratio remains valid, even when different containers or measuring devices are used during practical mixing tasks in the workshop or laboratory.
3. How the core calculation works
The final concentration is computed using a volume-weighted average. Each liquid’s volume is multiplied by its concentration, those products are summed, and the result is divided by the total volume. The calculator also reports the mixing ratio between liquids and the fractional contribution of each component. This approach mirrors the straightforward conservation of mass principle used in many process engineering calculations.
4. Why accurate mixing ratios matter
Correct mixing ratios ensure predictable viscosity, drying time, strength, and stability. For example, paint systems, fuel additives, and agricultural sprays can fail or become unsafe when mixed too rich or too lean. Consistent ratios also reduce waste, rework, and troubleshooting caused by trial-and-error adjustments. Over time, well documented ratios build a library of proven, repeatable formulations.
5. Connecting mixing ratios with other properties
Liquid mixing influences other key properties, including vapor pressure and boiling behavior. After defining a formulation here, you can explore relationships using tools like the Vapor Pressure from Antoine Calculator, which estimates pressure changes across temperatures for volatile components in your mixture.
6. Planning thermal behavior of blended liquids
When blends involve dissolved solids or multi-component solutions, boiling characteristics change with composition. The Boiling Point Elevation Calculator can complement this mixing ratio tool by estimating how solutes or concentration adjustments influence boiling temperature and related process constraints. Combining both tools supports better process design for heating, distillation, and concentration steps.
7. Practical tips for reliable liquid mixing
Always measure volumes with calibrated equipment, mix thoroughly, and record every ratio and concentration used. Label containers clearly, especially for multi-step dilutions. Start with small test batches before scaling production. Saving your successful recipes inside project notes ensures future runs reproduce the same reliable, high performing liquid blends. Document environmental conditions alongside each trial batch.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I mix liquids using different units?
No. Always convert volumes to a single unit before using the calculator. Ratios are only meaningful when both components share the same consistent measurement basis.
2. Does the calculator support more than two liquids?
This version focuses on two-component systems. For three or more liquids, group similar components together, calculate an intermediate blend, and then mix that blend with the remaining liquid.
3. Are the percentage inputs by mass or by volume?
The calculator assumes volume-based percentages. If your specification is mass-based, first convert masses to equivalent volumes using density, then enter the converted volumes and resulting percentages.
4. What happens if one liquid is pure solvent?
If one liquid has zero concentration, the calculator treats it as pure diluent. The final concentration simply reflects how much the stronger solution is diluted by that solvent volume.
5. Can I use this tool for fuel or coolant blends?
Yes. The method is suitable for fuels, coolants, cleaners, and agricultural sprays. Ensure compatibility and safety for every component before physically preparing the mixture.
6. How accurate are the reported percentages?
Results are mathematically precise for the entered values. Real-world deviations may occur from temperature effects, density changes, and measuring inaccuracies, so always follow relevant technical and safety guidelines.