Dilution Calculator (C1V1=C2V2)

C1V1 = C2V2 is the dilution equation where C1 is initial concentration, V1 is volume of stock solution taken, C2 is final concentration, and V2 is final volume. This equation states that the amount of solute remains constant during dilution.

Enter values for any three of the four parameters (C1, V1, C2, V2) and leave one blank. The calculator will determine the missing value using the dilution equation. Make sure to select the correct units for concentrations and volumes.

Dilution factor is the ratio of the initial concentration to the final concentration (C1/C2). For example, diluting from 10 mM to 1 mM gives a 10x dilution factor. It indicates how many times the original solution has been diluted.

The diluent volume equals the final volume (V2) minus the volume of stock solution (V1). For example, if you need 100 mL final volume and take 10 mL of stock, add 90 mL of diluent.

Yes, the calculator handles different units automatically. You can mix molar concentrations with mass/volume units, and use different volume units for V1 and V2. Just ensure you select the correct units from the dropdown menus.

Check that you've entered three valid values and left exactly one field blank. Ensure concentrations and volumes are positive numbers. If diluting, C2 should be less than C1, and V2 should be greater than V1.

For serial dilutions, use the calculator for each step. The final concentration from one dilution becomes the initial concentration for the next. This is common for preparing standard curves or reducing very concentrated solutions gradually.

Molarity (M, mM, µM) expresses concentration in moles per liter, while mass/volume (mg/ml, µg/ml) expresses it as mass per unit volume. Both are valid for dilution calculations, but ensure you use the same type for C1 and C2.