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Dilution Calculator (C1V1 = C2V2)

Solve for any one of C1, V1, C2, V2, plus a serial-dilution planner with the concentration at every step. The same math as the Excel workbook, live in your browser.

What this is for: Solves for any one unknown in a dilution (stock/final concentration or volume) and plans serial dilutions step by step.

The formula: C1 × V1 = C2 × V2

How to use:

  1. In Section A, pick which value to solve for; the other three are inputs.
  2. Enter the other three values, keeping units consistent (e.g. all concentrations in µM, all volumes in mL) — the math is unit-agnostic.
  3. Read the solved value in the results.
  4. In Section B, enter the starting concentration, dilution factor and total volume per tube (mL).
  5. Read the concentration, transfer and diluent for each step (steps 0–10) in the table.

A. C1V1 = C2V2 Solver

Pick which value to SOLVE FOR; the other three are inputs. Keep units consistent (e.g. all concentrations in µM, all volumes in mL) — the math is unit-agnostic.

C1
V1
C2
V2

B. Serial Dilution Planner

Concentration at every step of a constant-factor serial dilution.

StepConcentrationTransfer (mL)Diluent (mL)
Prefer to work offline or keep a copy? The download link is right below.
Download the Dilution Calculator (C1V1 = C2V2) workbook (.xlsx)
Notes & limits (from the workbook): Section A: pick which value to SOLVE FOR; the other three are inputs. Keep units consistent (e.g. all concentrations in µM, all volumes in mL) — the math is unit-agnostic. Section B: serial dilution planner — concentration at every step, with the transfer volume (total volume ÷ dilution factor) and diluent volume for each tube.