What is the dilution formula?

C₁V₁ = C₂V₂. The moles of solute are unchanged on dilution, so concentration × volume is constant.

Do C and V need to be in specific units?

Yes for C (mol/L), but volumes can be in any unit as long as both V₁ and V₂ use the same one. The volume unit cancels.

How do I make 500 mL of 0.1 mol/L from 1 mol/L stock?

C₁V₁ = C₂V₂ gives V₁ = (0.1 × 500)/1 = 50 mL of stock, then top up with water to 500 mL total.

Does this work for serial dilutions?

Apply C₁V₁ = C₂V₂ step-by-step. After each dilution, the C₂ becomes the C₁ for the next step.

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NSW · HSCChemistry

Dilution calculator

C₁V₁ = C₂V₂, four variables, solve for whichever one you need.

Inputs

Solve forC₁ stock concentration (mol/L)V₁ stock volume (mL)C₂ final concentration (mol/L)V₂ final volume (mL)

Volume units cancel as long as V₁ and V₂ use the same unit.

Result

C₂

0.1000mol/L

C₁V₁ = C₂V₂. Moles before dilution equal moles after dilution.

How this calculator works

Choose which variable to solve for, fill in the other three, and the calculator rearranges C₁V₁ = C₂V₂ accordingly. Moles before dilution = moles after dilution, since adding solvent doesn't change the amount of solute.

Common questions

What is the dilution formula?: C₁V₁ = C₂V₂. The moles of solute are unchanged on dilution, so concentration × volume is constant.
Do C and V need to be in specific units?: Yes for C (mol/L), but volumes can be in any unit as long as both V₁ and V₂ use the same one. The volume unit cancels.
How do I make 500 mL of 0.1 mol/L from 1 mol/L stock?: C₁V₁ = C₂V₂ gives V₁ = (0.1 × 500)/1 = 50 mL of stock, then top up with water to 500 mL total.
Does this work for serial dilutions?: Apply C₁V₁ = C₂V₂ step-by-step. After each dilution, the C₂ becomes the C₁ for the next step.