100
mL
90
mL
10
0.01
mol
90
%
100
mL
90
mL
10
0.01
mol
90
%
The Dilution Calculator uses the C1V1 = C2V2 equation to determine the final volume needed when diluting a concentrated solution to a desired lower concentration. This is one of the most frequently used equations in chemistry and biology laboratories for preparing working solutions from stock solutions.
Enter the initial concentration (C1), the volume you have (V1), and the desired final concentration (C2) to find the total final volume (V2) and the amount of solvent to add. The calculator also shows the dilution factor for reference.
The dilution equation states that the amount of solute is conserved during dilution:
C1 x V1 = C2 x V2
Solving for the final volume:
V2 = (C1 x V1) / C2
The amount of solvent (typically water) to add is:
Solvent = V2 - V1
The dilution factor is the ratio of initial to final concentration: C1/C2. For example, a 10-fold dilution means C1/C2 = 10.
Inputs
Results
To dilute 10 mL of 1 M solution to 0.1 M, bring the total volume to 100 mL by adding 90 mL of solvent. This is a 10-fold dilution.
Inputs
Results
To prepare 1x buffer from a 5x stock, take 20 mL and add 80 mL of water for a final volume of 100 mL.
This equation states that the product of concentration and volume before dilution equals the product after dilution. Since dilution only adds solvent (not solute), the total amount of solute (moles = concentration x volume) remains constant. C1 and C2 can be in any concentration units (M, mM, percent) as long as both are the same.
Yes. The equation C1V1 = C2V2 works with any concentration unit (M, mM, percent, mg/mL, etc.) as long as C1 and C2 use the same units, and V1 and V2 use the same volume units. The equation is based on conservation of solute, which applies regardless of the units used.
If C2 is greater than C1, you cannot achieve this by simple dilution. You would need to add more solute or use a more concentrated stock solution. The dilution equation only applies when the final concentration is less than or equal to the initial concentration.
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