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Dilution Calculator

Solve stock concentration, stock transfer volume, target concentration, or final volume with C1V1 = C2V2, including dilution factor and solvent-to-add output.

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Dilution planning with C1V1 = C2V2

A dilution calculator solves the standard stock-to-target relation C1V1 = C2V2. Use it to determine the stock concentration, the stock aliquot to transfer, the target concentration, or the final prepared volume when you are diluting the same solute system.

What the dilution equation assumes

The classic dilution equation states that the amount of solute stays constant before and after dilution, so concentration times volume is conserved: C1V1 = C2V2.

That means the page is appropriate when you are making a lower-concentration solution from a stronger stock of the same substance and the same concentration basis.

C1V1 = C2V2

Relates stock concentration and transferred stock volume to target concentration and final prepared volume.

Dilution factor = C1 / C2 = V2 / V1

Shows how many times the stock is diluted between the starting and final solution.

When this page is the right tool

Use it for same-solute dilutions such as preparing 100 mL of 0.10 M solution from a 1.00 M stock, or scaling a micromolar working solution from a stronger master stock.

Do not use it to convert between unrelated concentration definitions, density-based systems, or formulations where molarity and mass concentration are mixed without the extra assumptions needed to bridge them.

Worked example

Suppose the stock is 1.00 M, the target concentration is 0.10 M, and the final volume is 100 mL. Rearranging C1V1 = C2V2 gives V1 = (C2 × V2) / C1, so the required stock transfer is 10 mL.

The remaining 90 mL is solvent or diluent added to reach the final prepared volume of 100 mL.

Frequently asked questions

Why does the page reject a target concentration above the stock concentration?

Because that is no longer a dilution. If the target concentration is greater than the stock concentration, you would need a concentration or solvent-removal step instead of a simple stock-plus-diluent preparation.

 Can I mix units like M and mM?

Yes. This calculator normalizes the supported molarity units internally before solving. The result is then shown back in your selected display units for each side of the equation.

 Does this page tell me which solvent to use?

No. It only solves the volume-concentration relation. Solvent compatibility, stability, temperature effects, and final matrix constraints still depend on the chemistry of the system you are preparing.

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