Dilution Factor Calculator
Plan single-step or serial dilutions by combining sample and diluent volumes. Obtain dilution factors instantly.
Number of identical dilution steps.
Single-step dilution factor
10
Final concentration fraction
0.1
Multiply stock concentration by this fraction for the diluted solution.
Each step dilutes by a factor of 10. After 1 step(s), the cumulative dilution is 10.
How to Use This Calculator
Measure sample and diluent volumes
Enter the volume of concentrated sample and the volume of diluent you plan to add.
Confirm final volume
The sum of sample and diluent should equal the final volume. Adjust if necessary.
Optionally plan serial dilutions
Specify the number of identical dilution steps to see the overall dilution factor.
Apply the dilution factor
Divide the stock concentration by the factor to get the diluted concentration, or multiply by the fraction shown.
Formula
Dilution factor = V_final / V_sample
Serial dilution factor = [(V_sample + V_diluent) / V_sample]ⁿ
V_sample and V_diluent are the sample and diluent volumes per step. n is the number of identical dilution steps.
Example
Mixing 1 mL sample with 9 mL diluent gives a factor of 10. Repeating this three times yields a total dilution of 10³ = 1000.
Full Description
Dilution factors streamline calculations in microbiology, analytical chemistry, and molecular biology. They indicate how many times a sample has been diluted relative to the original concentration.
This calculator handles both single-step dilutions and serial dilutions where identical dilution steps are repeated. Knowing the dilution factor helps in converting measured signals or concentrations back to original sample values.
Always record the volumes used and the number of steps performed to avoid cumulative errors when working with serial dilutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the final volume differs?
If you top up to a mark, use the marked final volume. Enter the measured volumes to compute the actual dilution factor.
Can I mix units?
Use consistent units for sample, diluent, and final volume (all mL or all L). The ratios are unitless so any consistent unit works.
How do I find final concentration?
Divide the stock concentration by the dilution factor. Alternatively, multiply by the concentration fraction (1 / factor).
Does this support unequal serial steps?
This version assumes identical steps. For varying steps, compute each individually and multiply the resulting factors.
What about pH or buffer effects?
The calculator only handles volumetric dilutions. Adjust for chemical equilibria separately if they impact concentration.