Laboratory Dilution Calculator
Conserved-solute dilution using C1V1=C2V2 with matching concentration units and final volume. No medication instructions.
In short
Conserved-solute dilution using C1V1=C2V2 with matching concentration units and final volume. No medication instructions.
Formula: C₁V₁ = C₂V₂; stock aliquot V₁ = target concentration C₂ × final volume V₂ ÷ stock concentration C₁.
What this calculator does
Conserved-solute dilution using C1V1=C2V2 with matching concentration units and final volume. No medication instructions. Formula, worked example, sources, FAQs and limitations included.
Use it to turn Stock concentration (same units as target), Target concentration (same units as stock), Final solution volume into a checked result you can compare, copy, or rerun with different assumptions.
The page shows the formula, a numeric worked example, and the assumptions that affect this life sciences calculation.
Inputs and what they mean
- Stock concentration (same units as target)
- — number value.
- Target concentration (same units as stock)
- — number value.
- Final solution volume
- — number value.
How to use it
- Enter each value in the unit shown next to the box (use the unit converter first if your numbers are in other units).
- Check the breakdown to see every intermediate step.
- Read the limitations before relying on the result.
Formula
Methodology type: scientific equation.
Methodology: OpenStax Chemistry 2e §3.3, conserved solute amount in dilution.
Use matching concentration bases, the same solute, no chemical reaction or loss, and millilitres for both volumes.
This is laboratory arithmetic, not medication dilution. V₂ is final solution volume; mixture volumes need not be additive.
C₁V₁ = C₂V₂; stock aliquot V₁ = target concentration C₂ × final volume V₂ ÷ stock concentration C₁.
Inputs used: Stock concentration (same units as target), Target concentration (same units as stock), Final solution volume.
Worked example
General laboratory dilution
- 0.1 × 100 ÷ 2 = 5 mL stock aliquot.
- Dilution factor = 2 ÷ 0.1 = 20.
Reading the result
The headline figure is the main answer. Any breakdown underneath shows the parts that make it up, so you can check the working and see what changes when you adjust an input.
Limitations and assumptions
- No reaction, solute loss or incompatible concentration bases.
- No serial-dilution protocol or clinical preparation recommendation.
- For education and operational analysis only. No diagnosis, treatment recommendations, prescribing, dosing instructions, or reimbursement entitlement. Scientific calculations require appropriate laboratory verification; operational estimates do not replace local clinical, safety or financial policies.
- The result depends on the values you enter for this laboratory dilution calculator; it does not supply missing rates, rules, prices, dates, or assumptions for you.
Reference: OpenStax
Last reviewed:
Common questions
Can I use mass concentration?
Yes, if stock and target use the same mass-per-volume units and solute is conserved. Check the formula, example, and limitations on this page before using the result for a real life sciences decision.
Is solvent volume final minus stock?
Not universally. Volumes need not be additive; the result specifies the final solution volume.
Does it handle reactions or medicines?
No. It assumes conserved solute and is not medication-preparation guidance.
How do I use the Laboratory Dilution Calculator?
Enter the required values for Stock concentration (same units as target), Target concentration (same units as stock), Final solution volume. The calculator applies the formula on this page and shows the main result with any supporting breakdown so you can check the arithmetic.
What formula does the Laboratory Dilution Calculator use?
C₁V₁ = C₂V₂; stock aliquot V₁ = target concentration C₂ × final volume V₂ ÷ stock concentration C₁. The visible formula section above lists the calculation path and the edge cases the page handles, so the result can be checked without relying on the form alone.
Can the Laboratory Dilution Calculator be used for exact decisions?
Use it as a calculation aid, not as a substitute for checking the underlying rule, contract, policy, or professional advice that applies to your situation. When a result depends on local rules, personal details, prices, or dates, enter those values yourself and confirm them before acting.
Sources
Method based on OpenStax.
Cite this page
Free Calculator. (2026, October 23). Laboratory Dilution Calculator. https://freecalculator.tech/tools/laboratory-dilution-calculator
"Laboratory Dilution Calculator." Free Calculator, 23 Oct. 2026, https://freecalculator.tech/tools/laboratory-dilution-calculator.
Laboratory Dilution Calculator — Free Calculator, https://freecalculator.tech/tools/laboratory-dilution-calculator
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