Dilution Factor Calculator

The dilution factor is the ratio that describes how much a stock solution has been diluted. It can be expressed as the ratio of stock concentration to final concentration, or as the ratio of final volume to initial volume taken from stock.

Dilution factor = Stock concentration ÷ Final concentration. Alternatively, it equals Final volume ÷ Volume from stock. For example, diluting 100 mM to 10 mM gives a dilution factor of 10x.

Dilution factor is typically expressed as a single number (like 10x), while dilution ratio shows the relationship as parts (like 1:10). A 10x dilution factor corresponds to a 1:10 dilution ratio.

A 1:20 dilution means you take 1 part of stock solution and add 19 parts of diluent to make 20 parts total. This creates a 20x dilution factor, reducing the concentration to 1/20th of the original.

To make a 10x dilution, take 1 part stock solution and add 9 parts diluent. For example, mix 1 mL of stock with 9 mL of diluent to get 10 mL of solution at 1/10th the original concentration.

Yes, this calculator allows you to select different units for volumes (from femtoliters to liters) and concentrations (from femtomolar to molar, plus percentages). The calculator automatically handles unit conversions.

Volume of diluent = Final volume - Volume from stock. This is the amount of solvent (usually water or buffer) you need to add to your stock aliquot to reach the desired final volume.

Accuracy depends on your application. For routine work, measuring to the nearest 0.1 mL may suffice, but for precise analytical work, you may need to measure to 0.01 mL or better using calibrated pipettes.