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Serial Dilution Calculator

Calculate precise serial dilutions in seconds. Our Serial Dilution Calculator handles 1:2, 1:10, mg/mL, ng/µL & more. Fast, accurate, and easy to use!

When you work in a lab, accuracy matters. Whether you're mixing chemicals, counting cells, or testing water, getting the right dilution is key. That’s where our Serial Dilution Calculator comes in. It’s simple, fast, and perfect for beginners and experts alike.

This tool helps you calculate dilutions like 1:2, 1:10, 1.5-fold, and more. It works for units like mg/mL, ng/µL, ppm, and even CFU/mL. If you're a student, scientist, or hobbyist, you'll find this tool handy and stress-free.

What Is a Serial Dilution?

A serial dilution is a step-by-step process. You take a small amount of a solution and mix it with a set amount of liquid. Then, you repeat the process several times.

Each step reduces the concentration. It's used in biology, chemistry, and environmental science.

Say you have a strong solution and want to test its effects at lower levels. Instead of guessing, you dilute it in steps. That’s a serial dilution.

How Does the Serial Dilution Calculator Work?

It’s easy. You just enter:

  • The stock concentration
  • The final volume you want per tube
  • The dilution factor (like 10 for a 1:10 dilution)
  • The number of steps

Then hit calculate.

Our tool gives you:

  • How much to transfer at each step
  • How much diluent to add
  • The total dilution factor
  • The final concentration

It also shows each step in a table. That means no more confusing math!

Serial Dilution Formula

Let’s break down the math. Don’t worry it’s simple.

Transfer Volume

= Final Volume / (Dilution Factor − 1)

Diluent Volume

= Final Volume − Transfer Volume

Total Dilution Factor

= (Dilution Factor) ^ Number of Steps

Final Concentration

= Stock Concentration / Total Dilution Factor

For example:

If you start with 1 mg/mL, use a 1:10 dilution, and do 4 steps:

Final concentration = 1 / (10⁴) = 0.0001 mg/mL

How to Use the Calculator

  1. Choose your units (like mg/mL or ng/µL).
  2. Enter your stock concentration.
  3. Enter your final volume per dilution.
  4. Type your dilution factor (like 2 for a 1:2).
  5. Enter how many steps you want.
  6. Click Calculate.

You’ll see everything you need, clearly shown. You can even switch to single-step dilution or reverse calculation if you need to.

What Is a 1:10 Serial Dilution?

A 1:10 dilution means you take 1 part of the solution and mix it with 9 parts of diluent. Together, that makes 10 parts total.

For example:

Take 1 mL of stock + 9 mL of water = 10 mL total.

That’s one 1:10 dilution. Repeat it for more steps.

What About a 1.5 Serial Dilution?

This one’s trickier. You mix your solution with enough diluent so that the new mix is 1.5 times the original. So:

Transfer volume = Final Volume / (1.5 - 1)

Diluent volume = Final Volume − Transfer volume

Our calculator does this math for you. You just enter “1.5” as the dilution factor.

Real-Life Example

Let’s say you’re working with DNA. You have 100 ng/µL of a sample and want to dilute it to 0.1 ng/µL in 5 steps, using a 10-fold dilution.

Just enter:

  • Stock: 100 ng/µL
  • Final volume: 1 mL
  • Dilution factor: 10

Steps: 5

The calculator will show:

  • Transfer volume: 0.111 mL
  • Diluent: 0.889 mL
  • Final: 0.001 ng/µL (after 5 steps)

Final Verdict

Serial dilutions are essential in lab work. But doing them by hand can be tricky. Our Serial Dilution Calculator takes the pain out of the process.

Whether you're preparing samples, measuring bacteria, or mixing chemical solutions—this tool helps you stay accurate and stress-free.

FAQs

What is a dilution factor?

It’s the number that shows how much the sample is diluted. A 1:10 dilution means the factor is 10.

Can I use this for cells or bacteria (CFU/mL)?

Yes! It works for cell and bacterial dilutions too.

What units can I use?

You can use mg/mL, ng/µL, µg/mL, ppm, and more.

Is 1:4 the same as 4 to 1?

No. A 1:4 dilution means 1 part stock + 3 parts diluent. A 4:1 dilution means 4 parts stock + 1 part diluent. The calculator handles both just pick the right format.