Dilution Calculator (M₁V₁ = M₂V₂)

Find target volume or concentration when diluting a stock solution.

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How to use this calculator

  • Enter stock concentration and volume, plus target concentration.
  • Read final volume and how much solvent to add.

About this calculator

When diluting a stock solution to a target concentration, M₁V₁ = M₂V₂. Solve for V₂ to find the final volume; the difference V₂ − V₁ is the solvent (usually water) you need to add. Units of M and V must match between sides of the equation.

Frequently asked

Can I use any units for V?+
Yes — as long as both sides use the same volume unit. mL, L, µL all work.
What if M₂ > M₁?+
Then V₂ < V₁ — you'd need to remove solvent (concentrate the solution), which usually means evaporation, not dilution.
Why is the formula symmetric?+
Because moles of solute are conserved during dilution: moles = MV. Since moles don't change, M₁V₁ = M₂V₂.
Does this work for serial dilutions?+
Yes — apply iteratively. To go from 1 M to 0.001 M via three 1:10 dilutions: 1 M → 0.1 M → 0.01 M → 0.001 M.
What units for concentration?+
Anything as long as it's consistent — M, %, ppm, mg/mL all work.

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