Serial Dilution Calculator
Enter the starting concentration, dilution factor and number of steps to plan a serial dilution.
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Serial Dilution Calculator by TheCalcTools
How the Serial Dilution Calculator works
Each step mixes a fraction 1/DF of the previous tube with diluent, so concentration falls by the dilution factor at each step and by DF^n overall.
For a 1:10 series with 1,000 µL tubes, move 100 µL into 900 µL of diluent each time. Mix well and change tips between steps.
The formula
Worked example
Using the default values shown in the calculator:
| Starting concentration | 1e+06 |
|---|---|
| Dilution factor per step | 10 |
| Number of dilution steps | 6 |
| Final volume in each tube (µL) | 1000 |
- 1:10 six times: total dilution 1 : 1000000.
- Final concentration 1; move 100 µL into 900 µL each step.
Result:
| Final concentration | 1 |
|---|---|
| Total dilution factor | 1 : 1000000 |
| Transfer from the previous tube (µL) | 100.0 |
| Diluent in each tube (µL) | 900.0 |
| Concentration after step 3 | 1000 |
Frequently asked questions
Why use serial dilutions instead of one big dilution?
A 1:1,000,000 dilution in one step would need a tiny, inaccurate sample volume. Several 1:10 steps are more accurate and use less diluent.
Sources and further reading
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This calculator gives estimates for information only. Check important results independently before you rely on them. See our disclaimer.