Enter your Initial Concentration, Dilution Factor, and Number of Dilution Steps into the Serial Dilution Calculator, and it maps out every step — giving you the Final Concentration, Total Dilution Steps, and Total Volume Required so you never lose track of where your sample stands.
Total Dilution Steps
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Final Concentration
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Total Volume Required
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A serial dilution is a stepwise dilution of a solution that is repeated a certain number of times using the same dilution factor. Each step uses the previous dilution as the starting solution for the next dilution.
Each step concentration equals the previous concentration divided by the dilution factor. For example, with a 2-fold dilution starting at 10 μM: Step 1 = 5 μM, Step 2 = 2.5 μM, Step 3 = 1.25 μM, and so on.
The C1V1 = C2V2 equation calculates the volumes needed for dilutions. C1 and V1 are the initial concentration and volume, while C2 and V2 are the final concentration and volume after dilution.
Serial dilutions create a range of concentrations for calibration curves, dose-response studies, and determining optimal experimental conditions. They're essential for quantitative assays and creating standards.
Dilution factor is the number you divide the concentration by (e.g., 10 for a 10-fold dilution). Dilution ratio expresses the relationship as a fraction (e.g., 1:10 means 1 part stock to 9 parts diluent).
Calculate the stock volume needed using C1V1 = C2V2, then add the appropriate amount of diluent to reach your desired final volume. This becomes your first diluted solution.
Common units include Molar (M), millimolar (mM), micromolar (μM), nanomolar (nM), picomolar (pM), and femtomolar (fM). The calculator maintains consistent units throughout the dilution series.
The number of steps depends on your experimental needs and the concentration range required. Typically 6-10 steps provide good coverage for most assays, but this can range from 3-20 steps depending on your application.