Dilution Calculator C₁V₁ = C₂V₂

Find any missing value when you dilute a solution: fill in three of the four boxes — stock concentration C₁, stock volume V₁, final concentration C₂, final volume V₂ — and leave the one you want to know empty.

Units are independent per row — values are converted to mol/L and litres internally.

How to dilute a stock solution

  1. Measure the calculated stock volume V₁ with a pipette and transfer it to a volumetric flask.
  2. Add solvent (usually water) up to about two thirds of the final volume and swirl to mix.
  3. Top up exactly to the final volume V₂, cap, and invert several times to mix thoroughly.

About the dilution equation

Diluting a solution adds solvent, so the amount of solute stays the same: C₁V₁ = C₂V₂ (initial concentration × volume equals final concentration × volume). If you take 10 mL of a 1 M stock and make it up to 100 mL, the result is a 0.1 M solution.

The label C₁V₁ also gives the amount of solute transferred in moles — the result panel shows it, so you can double-check the arithmetic by hand.