Dilution Calculator

About the Dilution Formula

The dilution equation C1V1 = C2V2 relates the concentration and volume of a solution before and after dilution. C1 and V1 are the initial concentration and volume, while C2 and V2 are the final values.

This calculator is commonly used in laboratory settings for preparing standard solutions, serial dilutions, and adjusting reagent concentrations.

Understanding Dilution

Dilution is the process of reducing the concentration of a solute in a solution by adding more solvent. The total amount of solute remains the same before and after dilution — only the concentration changes. This relationship is expressed mathematically as C1V1 = C2V2, where the product of concentration and volume is constant.

Concentration can be expressed in various units including molarity (M), percent concentration, parts per million (ppm), or any consistent unit. Volume is typically measured in liters (L) or milliliters (mL). As long as both sides use the same units, the equation works correctly.

Common Applications

• Laboratory preparation: Preparing working solutions from concentrated stock solutions.
• Serial dilutions: Creating a series of progressively more dilute solutions for calibration curves or biological assays.
• Pharmaceutical compounding: Adjusting drug concentrations for specific dosage requirements.
• Environmental testing: Diluting water samples to measurable concentration ranges for analysis.

How to Use This Calculator

Enter any three of the four values — initial concentration (C1), initial volume (V1), final concentration (C2), and final volume (V2) — and the calculator will solve for the missing value. Leave the unknown field blank or set it to zero, then click calculate.