Dilution Factor Calculator
Calculate dilution factors, ratios, and volumes for solution preparation and serial dilutions
Calculate Dilution Factor
Volume of concentrated solution
Volume of solvent added (usually water)
Final volume after dilution (stock + dilutant)
Dilution Results
Formulas Used
Basic Relationship: Stock + Dilutant = Total
S:T Dilution Factor: Stock Volume : Total Volume
S:D Mixing Ratio: Stock Volume : Dilutant Volume
Concentration Factor: Final = Initial × (Stock/Total)
Example Calculation
Laboratory Dilution Example
Scenario: Prepare 100 mL of 1:10 dilution from stock solution
Stock solution needed: 10 mL
Dilutant (water) needed: 90 mL
Total volume: 100 mL
Final concentration: 10% of original
Calculation Steps
1. Desired dilution factor: 1:10 (S:T)
2. Total volume needed: 100 mL
3. Stock volume = Total ÷ Dilution factor = 100 ÷ 10 = 10 mL
4. Dilutant volume = Total - Stock = 100 - 10 = 90 mL
Result: Mix 10 mL stock + 90 mL water = 100 mL diluted solution
Common Dilutions
1:2 Dilution
Ratio: 1:2
Use: Half strength solutions
1:5 Dilution
Ratio: 1:5
Use: 20% original concentration
1:10 Dilution
Ratio: 1:10
Use: 10% original concentration
1:20 Dilution
Ratio: 1:20
Use: 5% original concentration
1:50 Dilution
Ratio: 1:50
Use: 2% original concentration
1:100 Dilution
Ratio: 1:100
Use: 1% original concentration
Dilution Tips
Always add stock to dilutant, not vice versa
Use volumetric flasks for accurate dilutions
S:T shows final concentration ratio
S:D shows mixing proportions
For serial dilutions, repeat the process
Understanding Dilution Factors
What is a Dilution Factor?
A dilution factor represents how much a solution has been diluted from its original concentration. It can be expressed as a ratio showing the relationship between the stock solution and the final diluted solution.
Types of Dilution Ratios
- •S:T (Stock:Total): Parts of stock to total parts of solution
- •S:D (Stock:Dilutant): Parts of stock to parts of dilutant added
- •1:X Format: One part stock to X parts total (S:T) or dilutant (S:D)
Key Formulas
Stock + Dilutant = Total
S:T = Vstock : Vtotal
S:D = Vstock : Vdilutant
Applications
- Laboratory: Preparing standard solutions
- Medicine: Drug dosage preparation
- Analytical: Sample preparation for analysis
- Biology: Cell culture media preparation
- Chemistry: Reaction optimization
Important: Dilution only reduces concentration - the total amount of solute remains constant.