How To Calculate Dilution Solutions

A dilution solution contains solute (or stock solution) and a solvent (called diluent). These two components proportionally combine to create a dilution. You can identify a dilution solution by the amount of solute in the total volume, expressed as a proportion. For example, a chemical may be prepared in a 1:10 dilution of alcohol, indicating that a 10 mL bottle contains one milliliter of chemical and nine milliliters of alcohol. You can calculate the necessary volume of each component to prepare a dilution solution.

Advertisement

Step 1

Write down the desired final volume of the solution–for example, 30 mL.

Step 2

Write down the desired dilution in the form of a proportion–for example, 1:20 dilution, also known as the dilution factor.

Step 3

Convert the dilution factor to a fraction with the first number as the numerator and the second number as the denominator. For example, a 1:20 dilution converts to a 1/20 dilution factor.

Advertisement

Step 4

Multiply the final desired volume by the dilution factor to determine the needed volume of the stock solution. In our example, 30 mL x 1 ÷ 20 = 1.5 mL of stock solution.

Step 5

Subtract this figure from the final desired volume to calculate the volume of diluent required–for example, 30 mL – 1.5 mL = 28.5 mL.

Step 6

Measure the amount of stock solution required — in our example, 1.5 mL — and dispense this into a large measuring cup.

Step 7

Measure the amount of diluent required — in our example, 28.5 mL — and dispense this into the large measuring cup.

Step 8

Mix the solution with the glass stirring rod. You now have your 1:20 dilution solution.

Things Needed

  • Graduated cylinder
  • Measuring cup
  • Glass stirring rod
  • Calculator

Cite This Article

MLA

Edwards, Regina. "How To Calculate Dilution Solutions" sciencing.com, https://www.sciencing.com/calculate-dilution-solutions-5962556/. 27 April 2018.

APA

Edwards, Regina. (2018, April 27). How To Calculate Dilution Solutions. sciencing.com. Retrieved from https://www.sciencing.com/calculate-dilution-solutions-5962556/

Chicago

Edwards, Regina. How To Calculate Dilution Solutions last modified March 24, 2022. https://www.sciencing.com/calculate-dilution-solutions-5962556/

Recommended

Advertisement