Dilution Calculator
Dilution Calculator
The dilution equation C1V1 = C2V2 relates a solution's initial concentration and volume to its final concentration and volume after dilution. Choose which of the four variables to solve for, enter the other three, and this calculator computes the answer.
This equation works because diluting a solution only adds more solvent — the actual amount of solute (the total C×V product) never changes, it just spreads through a larger final volume, which is why concentration drops proportionally. The most common use is solving for V1: figuring out exactly how much of a concentrated stock solution to measure out before topping it up with solvent to reach a target concentration — a routine step in laboratory work, and it's worth double-checking that all volumes are entered in the same unit before calculating, since mixing mL and L is one of the most common sources of a wrong dilution.
- C1V1 = C2V2 works because the total amount of solute doesn't change when you dilute - only the volume of solvent increases, so concentration drops.
- To dilute a stock solution to a target concentration, solve for V1 (how much stock solution you need) or V2 (the final total volume after adding solvent).
- Make sure all volumes use the same unit (this calculator works in liters) and all concentrations use the same unit (mol/L) for the equation to be valid.
How do I use the dilution formula C1V1=C2V2?
Plug in the three values you know (any combination of initial/final concentration and volume) and solve for the fourth by rearranging the equation.
How do I dilute a 2 mol/L solution to 0.5 mol/L using 0.5 L of stock?
V2 = (C1 × V1) / C2 = (2 × 0.5) / 0.5 = 2 L - so you'd add solvent until the total volume reaches 2 L.
Dilution Calculator
The dilution equation C1V1 = C2V2 relates a solution's initial concentration and volume to its final concentration and volume after dilution. Choose which of the four variables to solve for, enter the other three, and this calculator computes the answer.
This equation works because diluting a solution only adds more solvent — the actual amount of solute (the total C×V product) never changes, it just spreads through a larger final volume, which is why concentration drops proportionally. The most common use is solving for V1: figuring out exactly how much of a concentrated stock solution to measure out before topping it up with solvent to reach a target concentration — a routine step in laboratory work, and it's worth double-checking that all volumes are entered in the same unit before calculating, since mixing mL and L is one of the most common sources of a wrong dilution.
- C1V1 = C2V2 works because the total amount of solute doesn't change when you dilute - only the volume of solvent increases, so concentration drops.
- To dilute a stock solution to a target concentration, solve for V1 (how much stock solution you need) or V2 (the final total volume after adding solvent).
- Make sure all volumes use the same unit (this calculator works in liters) and all concentrations use the same unit (mol/L) for the equation to be valid.
How do I use the dilution formula C1V1=C2V2?
Plug in the three values you know (any combination of initial/final concentration and volume) and solve for the fourth by rearranging the equation.
How do I dilute a 2 mol/L solution to 0.5 mol/L using 0.5 L of stock?
V2 = (C1 × V1) / C2 = (2 × 0.5) / 0.5 = 2 L - so you'd add solvent until the total volume reaches 2 L.