What is the Lab Dilution Calculator?
Plan bench dilutions with this free lab dilution calculator. Get pipette volumes from C₁V₁=C₂V₂, 1:N ratio dilution sample and diluent amounts, and full serial dilution schemes with transfer volumes per step. Step-by-step lab procedures in µL, mL, or L. Runs instantly in your browser.
How to use the Lab Dilution Calculator
- Choose Pipette Dilution, Ratio (1:N), or Serial Dilution.
- For pipette mode, enter stock M, target M, and final volume.
- For ratio mode, set 1:N (e.g., 1:10) and total volume.
- For serial mode, enter starting concentration, fold per step, number of steps, and tube volume.
- Copy pipette volumes, diluent amounts, and the full lab procedure.
Common use cases
- Pipetting stock for working standard dilutions
- Preparing 1:10 and 1:100 ratio dilutions for microbiology
- Planning serial dilutions for plate counts or standard curves
- Calculating micropipette volumes for PCR and biochemistry
- Teaching dilution technique in introductory lab courses
Frequently asked questions
- What is a 1:10 dilution?
- A 1:10 dilution means 1 part sample in 10 parts total — pipette 1 volume of sample and add 9 volumes of diluent. The dilution factor is 10×.
- How is this different from a dilution calculator?
- The general dilution calculator solves any variable in C₁V₁=C₂V₂. This lab tool adds bench workflows: pipette-focused dilutions, ratio dilutions, serial dilution tables, and step-by-step procedures.
- What is a serial dilution?
- A serial dilution repeats the same fold dilution across multiple steps — e.g., four 1:10 steps give a 10,000× total dilution. Each step transfers a small aliquot into fresh diluent.
- Which volume units are supported?
- Microliters (µL), milliliters (mL), and liters (L). Use µL for micropipette work and mL for volumetric flasks.
- How much stock do I pipette?
- V₁ = (C₂ × V₂) / C₁. Enter stock concentration, target concentration, and final volume — the calculator gives the exact pipette volume and diluent to add.
