Serial Dilution Calculator

Calculate the final concentration after a series of dilution steps, or determine the dilution factor needed to reach a target concentration.

Initial Concentration (C₀)

Dilution Factor per Step (e.g. 10 for 1:10)

Number of Dilution Steps

Volume of Stock Taken per Step (µL)

Volume of Diluent Added per Step (µL)

Note: If you enter both dilution factor AND volumes, volumes take priority (dilution factor = (stock + diluent) / stock).

Concentration at step n:

C_n = C₀ / DFⁿ

Dilution factor from volumes:

DF = (V_stock + V_diluent) / V_stock

Total dilution factor after n steps:

DF_total = DFⁿ

Where C₀ = initial concentration, DF = dilution factor per step, n = step number.

Each dilution step is identical (same dilution factor applied at every step).
The dilution factor must be greater than 1 (i.e., each step reduces concentration).
When volumes are provided, the dilution factor is computed as (V_stock + V_diluent) / V_stock, consistent with the C₁V₁ = C₂V₂ relationship.
No evaporation, pipetting error, or dead volume is accounted for.
Maximum 50 steps supported to avoid floating-point underflow issues.
Reference: Serial dilution methodology — Youden, W.J. (1951). Statistical Methods for Chemists; standard laboratory practice (e.g., CLSI EP guidelines).

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