Enter the final volume, desired concentration, and stock concentration into the calculator below to determine the total volume of stock concentration needed to dilute your substance to your desired amount.

Dilution Formula

This calculator used the following formula to calculate the volume that needs to be added. 

M1V1 = M2V2

M1V1 = M2V2

  • Where M1 is the initial molarity
  • V1 is the initial volume
  • M2 is the final molarity
  • V2 is the final volume

Dilution Definition

Dilution is a concept used to describe the reduction of concentration or strength of a substance. It occurs when a solute, typically a solid or liquid, is added to a solvent to create a solution with a lower concentration. This process involves increasing the volume of the solvent while keeping the amount of solute constant.

How to calculate a dilution

  1. FIrst, determine the initial molarity and initial volume.

    This is the initial molarity and volume of the solution at time = 0.

  2. Next, determine the final volume

    This will be the final Volume of the solution after a certain time where another solution or base has been added to the solution.

  3. Calculate the final molarity

    Molarity and Volume are directly proportional. With 3 variables the 4th can be calculated.

FAQ

What is the importance of dilution in laboratory experiments?

Dilution is crucial in laboratory experiments as it allows scientists to create solutions of varying concentrations. This enables the study of a substance’s properties, reactivity, or toxicity at different strengths, which is essential for understanding its effects on living organisms or the environment.

How does the M1V1 = M2V2 formula work in dilution calculations?

The M1V1 = M2V2 formula is used to calculate the volume needed to dilute a solution to a desired concentration. It states that the product of the initial molarity (M1) and the initial volume (V1) equals the product of the final molarity (M2) and the final volume (V2). This relationship helps determine how much solvent to add to achieve a specific dilution.

Can dilution be used to increase the concentration of a solution?

No, dilution is specifically the process of decreasing the concentration of a solution by adding more solvent. To increase the concentration of a solution, one would need to either remove solvent (e.g., through evaporation) or add more solute.

Why is dilution significant in the field of chemistry and manufacturing?

In both chemistry and manufacturing, dilution is significant because it allows for the precise control of substance concentrations. This control is essential for conducting accurate experiments, creating products with consistent quality, and ensuring the safety of chemical processes by reducing the strength of potentially hazardous substances.