Dilution Calculator
Calculate Dilution values for science, physics, chemistry, and engineering problems.
This dilution calculator uses the dilution equation C1V1 = C2V2 to find any one missing value - initial concentration, initial volume, final concentration, or final volume - when diluting a stock solution to a desired concentration.
Enter three of the four values, and the calculator solves for the missing one.
Worked Calculation Examples
| Scenario | Result | Calculation Step |
|---|---|---|
| Dilute 10 M stock to 500 mL of 2 M solution | V1 = 100 mL | 10 × V1 = 2 × 500. V1 = 1,000 ÷ 10 = 100 mL of stock, then add solvent up to 500 mL total. |
| 50 mL of 5 M stock diluted to 250 mL total | C2 = 1 M | 5 × 50 = C2 × 250. C2 = 250 ÷ 250 = 1 M. |
The Dilution Equation
C1V1 = C2V2, where C1 and V1 are the concentration and volume of the stock (starting) solution, and C2 and V2 are the concentration and volume of the diluted (final) solution. This equation works because the total amount of solute stays the same before and after dilution - only the volume (and therefore concentration) changes.
A Worked Dilution Example
To dilute a 10 M stock solution down to 500 mL of 2 M solution: C1V1 = C2V2 becomes 10 x V1 = 2 x 500, so V1 = 1000/10 = 100 mL. You would measure 100 mL of the stock solution, then add solvent until the total volume reaches 500 mL.
How to Use the Dilution Calculator
- Open the Dilution Calculator and enter the values requested in the input fields.
- Check the units, percentages, dates, or time periods before reading the answer.
- Review the instant result and adjust any value to compare another scenario.
- Use the formula, example, and FAQs below to understand how the dilution calculator works.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the dilution formula?
C1V1 = C2V2, where C1/V1 are the initial concentration/volume and C2/V2 are the final concentration/volume after dilution.
How much stock solution do I need for a dilution?
Rearrange the dilution equation to V1 = (C2 x V2) / C1, plugging in your desired final concentration and volume along with the stock solution's known concentration.
Why does the dilution equation work?
The total moles of solute stay constant during dilution - only solvent is added, not solute - so concentration multiplied by volume (which equals moles) must remain equal before and after dilution.
How do I use this dilution calculator?
Enter the known values, review the units or settings, and the calculator updates the result instantly. The formula and example on this page show how the answer is produced.
What does the Dilution Calculator calculate?
Calculate Dilution values for science, physics, chemistry, and engineering problems. It is designed for fast browser-based calculations without sign-up, downloads, or manual spreadsheet setup.
What formula does this dilution use?
The formula is: C₁V₁ = C₂V₂. This formula is really just a restatement of conservation of matter applied to chemistry: the total amount of solute (concentration times volume) cannot change when only solvent is added, so the product must stay equal before and after dilution. This conservation principle traces back to the work of 18th-century chemist Antoine Lavoisier, whose careful measurement of mass before and after chemical reactions helped establish that matter is neither created nor destroyed in ordinary chemical processes.
Related Calculators
Molarity Calculator
Calculate Molarity values for science, physics, chemistry, and engineering problems.
Molecular Weight Calculator
Calculate Molecular Weight values for science, physics, chemistry, and engineering problems.
Stoichiometry Calculator
Calculate Stoichiometry values for science, physics, chemistry, and engineering problems.
pH Calculator
Calculate pH values for science, physics, chemistry, and engineering problems.
Ideal Gas Law Calculator
Calculate Ideal Gas Law values for science, physics, chemistry, and engineering problems.
Half-Life Calculator
Calculate Half-Life values for science, physics, chemistry, and engineering problems.
Last updated: September 27, 2026.