What is the C1V1 = C2V2 formula?

It is the dilution equation stating that the moles of solute are conserved: initial concentration × initial volume equals final concentration × final volume. Rearranging this equation lets you solve for any one unknown given the other three.

Can I mix different concentration units?

Yes. The calculator converts all concentration inputs to molar (M) and all volume inputs to liters (L) before computing, so you can freely mix M, mM, µM, and nM for concentration, or L, mL, and µL for volume.

What does C1V1 = C2V2 assume?

It assumes ideal dilution — only solvent is added, the solute does not react, and volumes are additive. For non-ideal mixtures or reactions you need a more complex approach.

What if my result is extremely small or large?

The tool displays results in scientific notation when the value falls outside 0.001 – 999,999. Choose a smaller concentration or volume unit to get a more readable number.

Is there a limit to how many dilutions I can calculate?

No limit. Simply enter new values for each step. For serial dilutions, use the result of one calculation as the input C1 for the next.

How can I calculate dilution?

Use C1V1 = C2V2. To dilute a stock to a target, solve for V1 (volume of stock) = C2 × V2 ÷ C1, then add solvent up to the final volume V2. Example: to make 100 mL of 1 M from a 5 M stock, V1 = 1 × 100 ÷ 5 = 20 mL stock plus 80 mL solvent.

Dilution Calculator

Solve C1V1 = C2V2 for any unknown — concentration or volume — instantly in your browser.

C1V1 = C2V2 Solver

Select what to solve for, enter the other three values.

Solve For

Initial Concentration (C1)

Initial Volume (V1)

Final Concentration (C2)

Final Volume (V2)

Result Unit

Enter three values and press Calculate

Quick Examples

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Summary

The Dilution Calculator applies the C1V1 = C2V2 formula to find any one of four variables: initial concentration (C1), initial volume (V1), final concentration (C2), or final volume (V2). Enter any three known values, select what you want to solve for, and get an instant result.

How it works

Choose which variable to solve for: C1, V1, C2, or V2.
Enter the three known values and pick their concentration and volume units.
The tool converts inputs to molar (M) and liters (L), then rearranges C1 × V1 = C2 × V2 to isolate the unknown.
Read the result in your chosen unit, with scientific notation for very small or large values.

Use cases

Preparing stock solution dilutions in molecular biology labs.
Calculating how much of a concentrated reagent to add to a buffer.
Scaling up or down a protocol to a different final volume.
Teaching stoichiometry and dilution concepts in chemistry courses.
Pharmacy compounding calculations for drug concentrations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 2026-05-23 · Reviewed by Nham Vu