Dilution Factor
Calculator
Results
- Dilution factor
- 50
- Diluent to add (mL)
- 245
- Remaining strength (% of stock)
- 2
Biology and lab results
| Dilution factor | 50 |
| Diluent to add (mL) | 245 |
| Remaining strength (% of stock) | 2 |
formula-map diagram
- Dilution factor
- 50
- Diluent to add (mL)
- 245
- Remaining strength (% of stock)
- 2
Formula breakdown
Formula
DF = V_final ÷ V_stock= 50
Note
Simplified model: these results use standard textbook laboratory relationships and average constants (A260 = 1 for 50 µg/mL dsDNA, 617.96 g/mol per base pair, ~110 Da per amino acid, ideal exponential growth). Real samples vary with purity, contaminants, buffer, temperature and instrument calibration. Always confirm against your own standards and protocol; do not use for diagnostic or safety-critical work.
More in Biology and lab
See all →Frequently asked questions
What is a dilution factor exactly?+
The dilution factor is the ratio of the total final volume to the volume of stock solution used, for example diluting 1 mL of stock into a final volume of 10 mL gives a dilution factor of 10 (often written 1:10). This calculator derives it from whichever two values you know: stock and final volume, or stock and diluent volume.
What is the difference between a dilution factor and a dilution ratio?+
A dilution factor of 10 means the final solution is 10 times more dilute than the stock, i.e. 1 part stock to 9 parts diluent. A dilution ratio written 1:10 can mean the same thing, or sometimes 1 part stock plus 10 parts diluent depending on convention, so always check which one your protocol expects.
How do I find the final concentration once I know the dilution factor?+
Divide the stock concentration by the dilution factor: a stock of 100 mg/mL diluted by a factor of 20 gives a final concentration of 5 mg/mL. This calculator can work in either direction, solving for the missing volume or concentration.
Can I chain several dilutions with this calculator?+
Yes in effect: run the calculator once per step and multiply the individual dilution factors together to get the overall factor, since serial dilutions compound multiplicatively rather than additively.
Why does my diluted sample not match the expected concentration?+
The most common causes are measuring the diluent volume instead of the final volume (they differ by the stock volume), pipetting error at small volumes, or the stock concentration itself being inaccurate. Double-check whether your inputs describe final volume or added-diluent volume, since mixing the two is the most frequent mistake.