CH 3 · notes
Assumptions
From concentrations: C1 is the higher concentration and C2 is the lower; both use the same kind of unit (all molar, or all mass per volume).
From volumes: final volume is the total after diluent is added; aliquot is the sample volume you count in that total. The factor must be greater than 1.
Aliquot from DF: enter the factor and final volume to get sample and diluent volumes.
Serial total: multiplies the step factors you list; it does not build a step table.
1:N means 1 part sample in N parts total. A 1:10 dilution is 1 mL sample plus 9 mL diluent to 10 mL final (not 1 + 10).
One pipetting step with C1, V1, C2, and V2 belongs on C1V1. Repeating the same factor with a concentration at every step belongs on Serial Dilution. Bench examples and formulas are on How to calculate dilution factor.
How it works
DF = Vfinal ÷ Valiquot
The page converts your units, applies the formula for the mode you picked, and shows the factor as N× and 1:N. In aliquot mode the main result is the sample volume and the diluent volume is shown beside it. Results use four significant figures when the factor is not a whole number.
Worked example
Load example uses 1 mL sample in 10 mL final: 10× (1:10), i.e. 1 mL sample plus 9 mL diluent.
C1 = 1 mol/L and C2 = 0.1 mol/L also gives 10×. DF 10 with 10 mL final gives aliquot 1.000 mL and diluent 9.000 mL. Three 10-fold steps give 1000× (1:1000).
Common mistakes
- Treating 1:10 as one part plus ten parts diluent (eleven total). Here 1:10 means ten parts total including the sample.
- Dividing C2 by C1 when the stock is more concentrated. DF = C1/C2.
- Mixing molar and mass/volume concentration kinds without converting outside this page.
FAQ
What does 1:10 mean on this page?
1:10 means one part sample in ten parts total. A 1:10 dilution is 1 mL sample plus 9 mL diluent to 10 mL final, not one part plus ten more parts.
When should I use concentration mode versus volume mode?
Use concentration mode when you know stock and final concentration. Use volume mode when you know final volume and how much sample you pipetted. Both give the same DF if the dilution is consistent.
How is serial total DF different from Serial Dilution?
Serial total DF multiplies the step factors you enter. Serial Dilution builds a step table with concentrations and pipette volumes for each repetition.
Does the page upload my numbers?
No. The calculation stays in the browser. The panel notice is the data statement for this page.