Enter values to see results
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µL
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µL
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Enter values to see results
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µL
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µL
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The RNA Dilution Calculator uses the standard dilution equation (C1V1 = C2V2) to determine the volumes needed to dilute your RNA sample to a desired concentration. Accurate dilution is critical for normalizing RNA inputs across samples in comparative experiments such as RT-qPCR, RNA-seq, and microarray analysis. Simply enter your current concentration, desired concentration, and final volume to get the precise volumes of RNA and diluent required.
The calculation is based on the dilution equation:
C1 × V1 = C2 × V2
Solving for V1 (volume of concentrated RNA to add):
V1 = (C2 × V2) / C1
The volume of diluent (nuclease-free water or buffer) to add:
Water Volume = V2 – V1
Where:
Inputs
Results
To dilute 500 ng/µL RNA to 100 ng/µL in 50 µL: take 10 µL RNA and add 40 µL nuclease-free water (5-fold dilution).
Inputs
Results
A 24-fold dilution requiring only 0.83 µL of stock. Consider making serial dilutions for better accuracy with such small volumes.
Always use nuclease-free (RNase-free) water or TE buffer (pH 7.5–8.0) to dilute RNA. Regular water or buffers may contain RNases that rapidly degrade your sample. DEPC-treated water is also acceptable. For long-term storage of diluted RNA, TE buffer is preferred as the EDTA chelates divalent cations that catalyze RNA degradation.
If V1 > V2, it means your desired concentration (C2) is higher than or equal to your current concentration (C1), so no dilution is possible. You would need to concentrate the RNA instead, using methods such as ethanol precipitation, vacuum concentration (SpeedVac), or ultrafiltration columns.
When V1 is less than 1 µL, perform a serial dilution instead. First dilute 10-fold (or another convenient factor) into a larger volume, then take the required volume from the intermediate dilution. This avoids the significant pipetting error associated with sub-microliter volumes, which can be 10–20% or more.
Roboculator Team
The Roboculator Team explains calculations, planning tools, and practical formulas in clear language for real-life situations.
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