Dilution Calculator (C₁V₁ = C₂V₂)

Solve the dilution equation for any unknown — concentration or volume — in one step.

How to use

  1. Fill in any three of the four fields: initial concentration, initial volume, final concentration, final volume.
  2. Leave the unknown empty and click Calculate.
  3. The missing value appears — plus how much solvent to add if you are diluting.

About this tool

The dilution equation C₁V₁ = C₂V₂ says that the amount of solute stays the same when you add solvent. If you know three of the four values — two concentrations and two volumes — the fourth is arithmetic. This calculator solves for whichever one you leave empty.

It works in any consistent units: mol/L and mL, mg/mL and litres, percent and microlitres — as long as both concentrations use the same unit and both volumes use the same unit, the math does not care which ones you picked. The result is in whatever units you gave it.

A common use in the lab is to prepare a working solution from a stock: you know the stock concentration, the desired final concentration and the final volume, and you need the volume of stock to pipette. In the kitchen the same equation tells you how much juice concentrate to mix with water to reach a target strength.

The formula

C₁ × V₁ = C₂ × V₂. Solve for the unknown: C₁ = C₂V₂/V₁, V₁ = C₂V₂/C₁, C₂ = C₁V₁/V₂, V₂ = C₁V₁/C₂.

Frequently asked questions

Does it matter which units I use?

Only that both concentrations share one unit and both volumes share another. The equation cancels the units — mol/L with mL, percent with litres, anything consistent.

What if I want to concentrate instead of dilute?

Set C₂ higher than C₁. The equation still works, but in practice you need to evaporate solvent or add solute, not add water.

Can I use this for serial dilutions?

Yes — each step is one C₁V₁ = C₂V₂ calculation. The final concentration of one step becomes the initial concentration of the next.

Does my data leave the browser?

No. The calculation is pure arithmetic in JavaScript. Nothing is uploaded.

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