Chemical Solution Dilution Calculator
Enter your stock concentration, target working concentration, and final volume. Get the exact mL of stock to measure out and solvent to add — with step-by-step plain-English instructions. Nothing uploaded.
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Learn more: Solution dilution and the C1V1=C2V2 formula
Understanding the C1V1=C2V2 dilution equation
The fundamental equation for dilution is C1V1=C2V2, where C1 and V1 are the concentration and volume of the original solution, and C2 and V2 are the concentration and volume after dilution. Rearrange to solve for any unknown: if you know C1, V1, and C2, solve for V2 (the final volume needed).
Real-world examples: medical, lab, and household
Medical doses often require precise dilutions (e.g., a 5mg/mL injection diluted to 1mg/mL). Laboratory protocols specify final concentrations. Household cleaners list dilution ratios. This calculator avoids mental math and rounding errors that can waste reagents or create unsafe concentrations.
Why precision matters
In pharmaceutical and laboratory work, dilution errors can mean wasted materials, inaccurate results, or unsafe conditions. The calculator ensures you add the correct volume of diluent to reach your target concentration. For large volumes, even 1% errors can waste significant material.
Volume and concentration units
The calculator supports common units: mL, L, µL, and mg/mL, g/L, %, ppm, and molar. Mix and match - if you need concentration in mg/mL and volume in L, the converter handles the unit math automatically.
Frequently asked questions
C1 and V1 are original concentration and volume. C2 and V2 are final concentration and volume after dilution. The equation conserves the total amount of solute: concentration × volume is constant.
Enter the starting concentration and volume, then your target concentration. The calculator shows the final volume needed and how much diluent to add.
Yes. Enter concentration in mg/mL and volume in L, or any combination. The calculator converts automatically.