2
mL
8
mL
2,000,000
cells
5
x
20
%
2
mL
8
mL
2,000,000
cells
5
x
20
%
The Cell Dilution Calculator uses the classic dilution equation C1×V1 = C2×V2 to determine how much of your concentrated cell suspension to mix with diluent to achieve a target concentration. This is one of the most fundamental calculations in cell culture, flow cytometry, and any assay requiring precise cell densities.
Whether you are preparing cells for plating, setting up a proliferation assay, or adjusting cell counts after hemocytometer counting, this tool gives you the exact volumes you need in seconds.
The dilution equation is derived from conservation of mass:
C1 × V1 = C2 × V2
Solving for V1 (the volume of concentrated stock you need):
V1 = (C2 × V2) / C1
The volume of diluent (e.g., media or buffer) to add is simply:
Diluent Volume = V2 − V1
The dilution factor tells you how many times the stock is being diluted: Dilution Factor = C1 / C2.
Inputs
Results
Take 2 mL of your 1×10⁶ cells/mL stock and add 8 mL of media to get 10 mL at 2×10⁵ cells/mL, a 5× dilution.
Inputs
Results
Take 1 mL from a 5×10⁶ cells/mL suspension and add 4 mL of FACS buffer to get 5 mL at 1×10⁶ cells/mL.
It is the dilution equation stating that the product of the initial concentration and volume equals the product of the final concentration and volume. It applies whenever you dilute a solution or suspension without adding or removing solute/cells other than by dilution.
For cell culture, use the same growth medium the cells are maintained in. For assays, use the appropriate buffer such as PBS, FACS buffer, or assay-specific diluent. The key is to use an isotonic solution that will not lyse or activate the cells.
This calculator handles a single dilution step. For serial dilutions where you perform the same dilution multiple times in succession, see our Serial Dilution Calculator which accounts for multiple sequential dilution steps.
Roboculator Team
The Roboculator Team explains calculations, planning tools, and practical formulas in clear language for real-life situations.
How helpful was this calculator?
Be the first to rate!
