Dilution & Concentration Calculator
Standard pharmaceutical calculation, laboratory analysis and research tools.
Calculate stock solution volume, final concentration or diluent volume using the standard dilution relationship C₁V₁ = C₂V₂.
What Is Dilution?
Dilution reduces the concentration of a solution by adding solvent or diluent while retaining the amount of solute. Dilution calculations are routinely used when preparing working solutions from concentrated stocks.
Dilution Formula
The common relationship is C₁V₁ = C₂V₂, where C₁ and V₁ represent the initial concentration and volume, while C₂ and V₂ represent the final concentration and volume.
How to Use the Dilution Calculator
Enter the three known quantities and leave the required quantity for calculation. The concentration units must be compatible on both sides of the equation.
Example
If a 10 M stock solution is used to prepare 100 mL of a 2 M solution, the required stock volume is calculated from V₁ = C₂V₂/C₁.
Pharmaceutical Applications
Dilution calculations are used for laboratory reagents, standard solutions, pharmaceutical preparations, analytical procedures and preparation of working concentrations from stock solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the C1V1 = C2V2 equation?
It is the standard dilution relationship used when the amount of solute remains constant during dilution.
Can concentration units be different?
They may use different compatible units only if the relationship is handled consistently; matching concentration units is the safest approach.
How do you calculate diluent volume?
Calculate the required final volume and subtract the volume of stock solution used.