Dilution Calculator
Calculate dilution requirements using C₁V₁ = C₂V₂
Calculator
V₁ = C₂V₂ / C₁ = (1 M × 1000 mL) / 10 M = 100.0000 mL
Dilution Factor
10.00x
Solvent to Add
900.00 mL
Dilution Formula
- C₁V₁ = C₂V₂
- C₁ = Initial concentration (stock)
- V₁ = Volume of stock to use
- C₂ = Final concentration (diluted)
- V₂ = Final total volume
- Dilution factor = C₁ / C₂
How to Use
Calculate dilution volumes and concentrations
Enter initial values
Input starting concentration and volume
Enter target
Input desired final concentration or volume
Get instructions
See how much solvent to add and final volume
Dilution Equation
C1 x V1 = C2 x V2
Initial concentration times volume equals final concentration times volume.
Frequently Asked Questions
The dilution equation C1V1 = C2V2 states that initial concentration times initial volume equals final concentration times final volume. This assumes no solute is lost - you are just adding more solvent to reduce concentration.
First find final volume using C1V1/C2 = V2. Then subtract initial volume: Water to add = V2 - V1. For example, to dilute 100mL of 10M to 2M: V2 = (10x100)/2 = 500mL. Add 400mL water.
Dilution factor is C1/C2 or V2/V1 - how many times the solution is diluted. A 1:10 dilution has factor 10 (concentration reduced to 1/10). A 5M to 1M dilution has dilution factor 5. Useful for serial dilutions in biology.
Yes! The equation works for any concentration units (M, %, g/L, ppm) as long as you use the same units for C1 and C2. Volume units must also match (both mL or both L). Our calculator handles unit conversions automatically.