Education
Dilution Calculator
Last updated: June 19, 2026
Dilution is the process of reducing the concentration of a solute in a solution, usually by mixing it with more solvent. A dilution calculator computes the relationship between the concentrations and volumes of two solutions using the formula M1V1 = M2V2. By inputting three of the variables, the calculator solves for the missing parameter and determines the dilution factor. Laboratory researchers, pharmacists, and chemistry students use this tool to prepare standard solutions from concentrated stock solutions.
Choose what to solve for, enter the other three values, and the calculator returns the missing variable along with the dilution factor. A separate serial dilution helper walks through fixed-factor step plans.
Quick Answer
Calculate dilution concentrations or volumes using the M1V1 = M2V2 formula. Enter any three variables to solve for the fourth.
Solve for
V2 unit
Serial dilution helper
Same factor at every step. Useful for cell-counting plates or calibration curves.
Total dilution factor: 1,000x
Final concentration after 3 steps: 0.001 mol/L
Stock volume V1
10 mL
Dilution factor is M1 / M2 (equivalently V2 / V1). Stock plus diluent volumes should equal the final volume; the calculator assumes additive volumes for educational purposes.
Examples
M1 = 1 M, M2 = 0.1 M, V2 = 100 mL
V1 = 10 mL
M1 = 2 M, V1 = 25 mL, V2 = 500 mL
M2 = 0.1 M
Serial 10x for 3 steps from 1 M
= 0.001 M, total 1,000x
M1 = 0.5 M, V1 = 50 mL, M2 = 0.05 M
V2 = 500 mL
How it works
A dilution adds solvent (usually water) to a stock solution. The moles of solute stay constant, so the product of concentration and volume is the same before and after.
Dilution · M1 V1 = M2 V2
Serial · final = start / factor^steps
Volumes can be in any matching unit on both sides; concentrations likewise. The calculator handles mL or L automatically.
Related chemistry calculators
- Molarity calculator for the M, n, V, m relationship behind the stock concentration.
- Molality calculator when you need mol per kg of solvent instead of mol per L of solution.
- Grams to moles calculator for converting solute mass before computing molarity.
- Volume converter for switching between mL, L, cubic cm, and other volume units.
- All education calculators.
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Frequently asked questions
M1V1 = M2V2. The moles of solute do not change during a dilution. M1 and V1 are the stock concentration and volume; M2 and V2 are the final concentration and volume after adding solvent. Pick any three values and the calculator returns the fourth.
The dilution factor is M1 / M2, equivalently V2 / V1. A 10x dilution factor means the final concentration is one tenth of the stock. The calculator reports the dilution factor along with the missing variable.
Pick a starting concentration, a fixed dilution factor per step, and a number of steps. The final concentration after N steps is start divided by factor to the N. The calculator's serial helper returns the final concentration and the total dilution factor.
M1V1 = M2V2 is unit agnostic for the concentrations and volumes, as long as you use the same units on both sides. The page uses mol/L and either mL or L. If you have mg/mL or percent solutions, convert to mol/L first or keep the same unit on both sides.
Yes. Real solutions can have small volume changes when components mix, but the standard educational treatment assumes additive volumes. Diluent volume to add is V2 minus V1 in the same units.
No. The calculator is an educational tool that performs the standard arithmetic. Do not use the output for laboratory preparation, dosing, or any safety-critical decision; consult an instructor or a vetted procedure.
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