Dilution Calculator

C1 × V1 = C2 × V2

Solve C1 × V1 = C2 × V2 for stock concentration, stock volume, final concentration or final volume.

Inputs

Solve for

Stock concentration (C1)

Stock volume (V1)solving for

Target concentration (C2)

Final volume (V2)

Result

10 mL

Take 10 mL of stock solution.

Calculation

Dilution equation
C1 × V1 = C2 × V2
Rearranged
V1 = (C2 × V2) / C1
V1 = (0.1 mol/L × 0.1 L) / 1 mol/L
V1 = 10 mL
Dilution factor
DF = C1 / C2
DF = 10
Solvent
V(solvent) = V2 − V1
V(solvent) ≈ 90 mL

Inputs

C1 (stock): 1 mol/L
V1 (stock volume): 10 mL
C2 (target): 0.1 mol/L
V2 (final volume): 100 mL

Add approximately 90 mL solvent and bring to a final volume of 100 mL.

The final volume is not necessarily the sum of stock and solvent volumes: volume additivity does not hold for all mixtures. Always make up to the mark in a volumetric flask.

About this calculator

The dilution equation states that the amount of solute is unchanged by dilution, so the product of concentration and volume is the same before and after. Choose which variable to solve for; the other three are required.

Stock and target concentration must be the same kind of concentration — both molar (mol/L, mmol/L, …) or both mass based (g/L, mg/mL, …). Mixing the two requires the molecular weight, so it is not done automatically.

The solvent volume shown is V2 − V1. Volume additivity does not hold for every mixture, so add the solvent and then bring the solution up to the final volume mark rather than adding the two volumes together.

LabCalc is provided as a calculation aid. Users remain responsible for verifying calculations, units, chemical compatibility, experimental procedures and applicable safety requirements before laboratory use.