Dilution Calculator
Calculate precise dilutions for laboratory reagents and solutions
Dilution Type
Parameters
Quick Reference
Common Dilution Ratios
1:21:2 (50%)
1:51:5 (20%)
1:101:10 (10%)
1:201:20 (5%)
1:501:50 (2%)
1:1001:100 (1%)
1:10001:1000 (0.1%)
Pipetting Guidelines
0.1-2.5 uL:Use specialized micropipette
0.5-10 uL:Standard P10 pipette
2-20 uL:Standard P20 pipette
10-100 uL:Standard P100 pipette
100-1000 uL:Standard P1000 pipette
Best Practices
- - Add diluent first, then stock solution
- - Use reverse pipetting for small volumes
- - Pre-wet pipette tips for viscous solutions
- - Mix thoroughly after each addition
- - Consider serial dilutions for factors >1000
- - Always prepare controls and blanks
Dilution Troubleshooting Guide
Poor Accuracy / Inconsistent Results
- - Check if pipette volumes are in optimal range (>2 uL)
- - Use reverse pipetting for small volumes
- - Ensure pipettes are calibrated and clean
- - Consider serial dilution for large dilution factors
- - Pre-wet pipette tips with sample
- - Use positive displacement pipettes for viscous solutions
Concentration Errors
- - Verify stock concentration is accurate
- - Check for evaporation during preparation
- - Ensure complete mixing after each addition
- - Account for temperature effects on viscosity
- - Use analytical balance for mass-based preparations
- - Prepare standards for verification
Common Dilution Applications
Cell Culture
- - Media dilutions: 1:2 to 1:10
- - Growth factor dilutions: 1:100 to 1:10000
- - Antibody dilutions: 1:1000 to 1:10000
Biochemistry
- - Enzyme assays: 1:10 to 1:1000
- - Protein standards: Serial 1:2 dilutions
- - Substrate concentrations: 1:5 to 1:100
Molecular Biology
- - DNA templates: 1:10 to 1:10000
- - PCR primers: 1:10 to 1:100
- - Restriction enzymes: 1:10 to 1:50