🧪 Cell Dilution Calculator
Quickly determine the volumes of stock culture and diluent needed to reach your target cell concentration.
How to Use This Calculator
Measure your stock culture
Determine the current concentration of your stock cell suspension using plating, counting, or OD readings.
Specify your target
Enter the desired final concentration and total volume required for your experiment.
Mix stock and diluent
Follow the calculated volumes to combine stock culture with diluent (media or buffer) to reach the target concentration.
Formula
C₁ × V₁ = C₂ × V₂
Solve for V₁ (volume of stock): V₁ = (C₂ × V₂) ÷ C₁. The volume of diluent is V₂ − V₁. The dilution factor is C₁ ÷ C₂.
Full Description
Whether preparing inocula for fermentation, plating assays, or flow cytometry, accurate dilutions ensure reproducible cell concentrations. The classic C₁V₁ = C₂V₂ relationship enables quick planning without guesswork.
For large dilution factors, consider serial dilutions to minimize pipetting error and maintain cell viability. Always mix thoroughly to achieve a homogeneous suspension before sampling downstream.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this for serial dilutions?
Yes. Apply the calculator iteratively for each dilution step, updating C₁ with the intermediate concentration before the next dilution.
What diluent should I use?
Use a medium or buffer that supports cell viability and matches the downstream application. Examples include PBS, fresh culture medium, or saline solutions.
How precise are the results?
The calculator delivers theoretical volumes. Pipetting accuracy and cell clumping can introduce variation, so consider replicates and gentle mixing for best results.
Can I scale volumes?
Absolutely. The ratios remain constant, so you can scale V₂ up or down depending on your required final volume.