What is a dilution calculator?
A dilution calculator relates the concentration and volume of a stock solution to those of a diluted solution. It assumes the amount of the tracked solute stays constant. Determine an unknown starting concentration first with the Molarity Calculator.
How does the dilution calculator work?
Every concentration is converted to mol/L and every volume to liters. The tool rearranges C₁V₁ = C₂V₂ for the selected unknown, then converts the answer back to that field’s chosen unit.
What formula does solution dilution use?
For a conserved solute, C₁V₁ = C₂V₂. Therefore C₂ = C₁V₁ ÷ V₂, V₁ = C₂V₂ ÷ C₁, C₁ = C₂V₂ ÷ V₁, or V₂ = C₁V₁ ÷ C₂.
How do you use the C1V1 C2V2 calculator?
Choose the missing quantity, leave its numeric field empty, enter the other three values, and select each unit independently. The Volume Converter can help verify uncommon volume conversions.
What does the dilution result mean?
The solved value makes the modeled amount C × V equal before and after dilution. A dilution factor and conserved moles are shown as checks. Use the Percentage Calculator separately for percent-based formulations that are not amount concentrations.
When does C1V1 = C2V2 not apply?
The equation does not model reactions, dissociation stoichiometry, non-additive volumes, evaporation, precipitation, transfer loss, or concentration-dependent volume changes. For a reacting system, use the Stoichiometry Calculator.
Who should use this dilution calculator?
It is suitable for education and simple stock-solution planning. Hazardous, sterile, clinical, pharmaceutical, or regulated preparations require approved procedures, calibrated equipment, and independent verification such as a suitable instrumental method or the Beer–Lambert Law Calculator where applicable.
Frequently asked questions about Dilution
Sources and methodology
The calculation method and explanatory context can be checked against these authoritative primary references.