LabCalc

Serial Dilution Calculator

f = (C₀ / Cₙ)^(1/n), V_transfer = V_tube / f

Plan a dilution series: transfer volume, diluent volume and concentration for every step.

Inputs

×

10 means a 1:10 dilution at each step.

tubes

Result

1 : 10 per step

Final concentration after 5 steps: 1.00000 × 10^-5 mol/L

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Calculation

  1. Dilution factor per step

    f = entered dilution factor

    f = 10

  2. Transfer volume per tube

    V_transfer = V_tube / f

    V_transfer = 1 mL / 10

    V_transfer = 0.1 mL

  3. Diluent volume per tube

    V_diluent = V_tube − V_transfer

    V_diluent = 0.9 mL

Inputs

Initial concentration
1 mol/L
Dilution factor
1 : 10
Steps
5
Volume per tube
1 mL

Each tube is mixed thoroughly before the next transfer. Volumes assume the transfer volume is included in the stated tube volume.

Dilution series

StepStart (mol/L)Transfer (mL)Diluent (mL)Final (mol/L)
110.10.90.1
20.10.10.90.01
30.010.10.90.001
40.0010.10.90.0001
50.00010.10.91.00000 × 10^-5

Series overview

  1. 1
    0.1
  2. 2
    0.01
  3. 3
    0.001
  4. 4
    0.0001
  5. 5
    1.0 × 10^-5

Bar height is proportional to the concentration in each tube (mol/L).

About this calculator

A serial dilution applies the same dilution factor repeatedly. Either enter the factor directly (for example 10 for a 1:10 series) or enter a target final concentration, in which case the required per-step factor is derived as the n-th root of the total dilution.

For each tube the transfer volume is the tube volume divided by the factor, and the diluent volume is the remainder. Mix each tube thoroughly before transferring to the next.

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.

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