Dilution Calculator
Use C1V1 = C2V2 to calculate dilution volumes and concentrations.
Results
The dilution equation C1V1 = C2V2 is one of the most used formulas in chemistry and biology labs. It tells you how much solvent to add to reduce a stock solution to your desired concentration. The number of moles stays the same - you are just spreading them over a larger volume.
Explore all our chemistry calculator tools, or browse the full cooking hub.
Frequently asked questions
Using C1V1 = C2V2: if you start with 100 mL of 1 M solution, V2 = (1 × 100) / 0.1 = 1000 mL. Add 900 mL of solvent to your 100 mL stock.
A 10x dilution reduces concentration by a factor of 10. Take 1 part stock solution and add 9 parts solvent. A 1 M stock becomes 0.1 M after a 10x dilution.
Perform repeated dilutions of the same factor. For a 10-fold serial dilution: dilute 1:10, then take from that and dilute 1:10 again. After 3 steps you have 1:1000 dilution.
No, C1V1 = C2V2 only works for dilution (adding solvent). To increase concentration you need to add solute, which requires a different calculation using mass and molar mass.
Dilution factor = C1/C2 = 2/0.25 = 8x. V1 = C2V2/C1 = (0.25 × 500)/2 = 62.5 mL. Take 62.5 mL stock and add 437.5 mL solvent.