Dilution Calculator

Calculate the unknown value when diluting a solution using C1 × V1 = C2 × V2. Shows the dilution factor.

Calculate the unknown value in a dilution using C1 × V1 = C2 × V2. Enter any three values and leave one blank.

About this Calculator

Calculate the unknown value when diluting a solution using C1 × V1 = C2 × V2. Shows the dilution factor.

Formula & Calculations

Formula

C1 × V1 = C2 × V2, Dilution factor = C1 / C2 = V2 / V1

Where:

C1=Initial concentration (stock solution)
V1=Initial volume (volume of stock to use)
C2=Final concentration (diluted solution)
V2=Final volume (total volume after dilution)

Assumptions

The solution is diluted with pure solvent (no additional solute).
The total moles of solute are conserved: n1 = n2.
Provide any three values to solve for the fourth.

Calculation Examples

Example 1

Inputs:C1 = 10 M, V1 = 0.5 L, C2 = 2 M

Result:V2 = 2.5 L, Dilution factor = 5

V2 = (10 × 0.5) / 2 = 2.5 L. Dilution factor = 10 / 2 = 5.

Example 2

Inputs:C1 = 5 M, V2 = 1 L, C2 = 0.1 M

Result:V1 = 0.02 L (20 mL), Dilution factor = 50

V1 = (0.1 × 1) / 5 = 0.02 L.

Example 3

Inputs:V1 = 10 mL, V2 = 100 mL, C2 = 0.5 M

Result:C1 = 5 M, Dilution factor = 10

C1 = (0.5 × 100) / 10 = 5 M.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a dilution factor?

The dilution factor is the ratio of final volume to initial volume (V2/V1) or equivalently initial concentration to final concentration (C1/C2). A dilution factor of 10 means the stock solution was diluted 10-fold.

Can I use different units for volume?

Yes, but V1 and V2 must use the same units. The calculator expects both volume inputs to be in the same unit (e.g., both mL or both L).