Dilution (M1V1 = M2V2) Calculator

Work out dilution (m1v1 = m2v2) instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.

About Dilution (M1V1 = M2V2) Calculator

Diluting a solution adds solvent but no solute, so the number of moles is unchanged: M1V1 = M2V2. Rearranging gives the final volume the stock must be made up to, and subtracting the stock volume tells you how much solvent to add. A 2 M stock taken as 25 mL and finished at 0.5 M must reach 100 mL, meaning 75 mL of solvent.

Formulas

Dilution equation

M1 x V1 = M2 x V2

Solvent to add

solvent = V2 - V1

Worked example

With the default values below, Dilution (M1V1 = M2V2) Calculator returns Final Volume (V2) of 100.00. Change any input above and every figure here is recalculated in your browser.

Inputs used

Stock concentration (M1)minimum 0 M: 2 M
Stock volume used (V1)minimum 0 mL: 25 mL
Final concentration (M2)minimum 0 M: 0.5 M

Results

Final Volume (V2): 100.00 mL
Solvent To Add: 75.00 mL
Dilution Factor: 4.000
Moles Of Solute Carried Over: 5.0000 × 10⁻²

Step by step

1Values used
2Dilution equation
3Solvent to add
4Final Volume (V2)= 100.00 mL
5Solvent To Add= 75.00 mL
6Dilution Factor= 4.000
7Moles Of Solute Carried Over= 0.0500

Assumptions and limits

The result is derived only from the 3 inputs listed above. Anything not among them is not part of the calculation.
In particular, this calculator does not take inflation, tax, fees or charges or compounding frequency into account.
Figures are rounded for display to 4 decimal places, so totals built from several rounded parts can differ slightly from the unrounded arithmetic.

How these calculators are built and tested is described on the Methodology page. If a figure looks wrong, please report it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do the volume units matter?

Only that both volumes use the same unit. Enter millilitres and the answer is in millilitres; the ratio is what does the work.

Why is the answer a final volume rather than an amount to add?

Because glassware is graduated to a total volume. The solvent figure is given as well for cases where you are adding to a fixed aliquot.