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Dilution Calculator

Solve C₁V₁ = C₂V₂ for stock and working concentrations.

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Dilution calculator

C₁V₁ = C₂V₂ — stock to working concentration. Volumes in mL.

mL
mL

Fill the known values; leave the unknown blank and it is solved for you.

Formula and how to use it

A dilution conserves the amount of solute: C₁V₁ = C₂V₂, where C₁ and V₁ are the stock concentration and volume, and C₂ and V₂ are the final working concentration and volume. Rearranging gives V₁ = C₂V₂ / C₁ — the volume of stock to measure out; add solvent up to V₂.

The equation is unit-agnostic as long as C₁ and C₂ share one concentration unit and V₁ and V₂ share one volume unit. For example, prepare 250 mL of 1× buffer from a 10× stock: V₁ = (1 × 250) / 10 = 25 mL of stock plus 225 mL of diluent.

The alcohol sub-mode applies the identical equation to % v/v strengths, so 99% IPA can be diluted to 70% in one step. This calculator solves for whichever of C₁, V₁, C₂, or V₂ you leave blank.

Dilution Calculator — FAQ