C1V1 Dilution Calculator
Calculate accurate laboratory dilutions using the C1V1 equation. This calculator determines stock volume, final concentration, final volume, or required stock concentration while supporting common laboratory units, identifying impractical dilutions, and generating bench-ready preparation instructions for everyday laboratory workflows.
Dilution Setup
Choose the unknown value, enter the known values, and use compatible concentration units.
Advanced Settings
Bench Setup Summary
Detailed calculations
Lab Summary Card
Formula and Calculation Logic
The calculator uses the C1V1 = C2V2 dilution equation to calculate one unknown value after converting compatible concentration and volume units. Calculations assume ideal mixing and additive volumes.
This calculator does not account for molecular weight conversions, solution density, solubility limits, reagent stability, or manufacturer-specific preparation instructions.
Formula Rearrangements
Example Workflow
A scientist is preparing an antibody working solution for flow cytometry staining. The protocol requires 10 mL of antibody at 5 µg/mL, and the available stock solution is 1 mg/mL.
Select stock volume mode, enter 1 mg/mL stock, 5 µg/mL final concentration, and 10 mL final volume.
The calculator reports 50 µL stock solution and 9.95 mL staining buffer.
Pipette the stock into a clean tube, add buffer, mix gently, label the working solution, and follow reagent-specific storage guidance.
Common Mistakes
mM and mg/mL describe different properties. Converting between molar and mass concentration requires molecular weight.
Sub-microliter or low-microliter transfers can be mathematically correct but experimentally unreliable.
Exact final volumes may run short after dead volume, multichannel pipetting, or repeated transfers.
The stock is the concentrated reagent. The working concentration is the final solution used in the experiment.
Confirm which value is unknown before entering data so the calculator solves the intended variable.
C1V1 assumes ideal mixing. Some reagents need additional checks for solubility, stability, density, or adsorption.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the C1V1 equation calculate?
It describes conservation of solute during dilution and relates stock concentration, stock volume, final concentration, and final volume.
Why can't I prepare a higher concentration than my stock?
Dilution only decreases concentration. A stronger stock solution or concentration step is required before making the requested working solution.
Why does the calculator recommend an intermediate dilution?
Very large dilution factors often require tiny transfer volumes. An intermediate dilution increases pipetting volume and improves reproducibility.
Why can't I convert between mM and mg/mL?
Molar concentration depends on molecule count, while mass concentration depends on weight. Molecular weight is required to convert between them.
Does this work for antibodies, DNA, enzymes, and cell culture reagents?
Yes, when compatible concentration units are used and the preparation follows ideal dilution assumptions.
Does the calculator account for reagent stability?
No. Follow reagent-specific recommendations for stability, storage, mixing, and handling.