Dilution Ratio Calculator
"Make a 1:10 dilution" — does that mean 1 part stock + 9 parts water, or 1 + 10? (It is 1 + 9 = 10 total.) This calculator removes the ambiguity: enter the ratio and final volume, get both parts.
Calculator
Dilution Ratio Calculator
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"Make a 1:10 dilution" — does that mean 1 part stock + 9 parts water, or 1 + 10? (It is 1 + 9 = 10 total.) This calculator removes the ambiguity: enter the ratio and final volume, get both parts.
How to use this calculator
- Enter the ratio (10 for 1:10).
- Enter final volume.
- Get stock volume and diluent volume.
The formula
For 1:X: stock = final ÷ X, diluent = final − stock.
What the inputs mean
The target is the concentration you want, in PPM. The volume is how much liquid you are treating. The result tells you exactly how much product to add.
Worked example
1:10 dilution, 100 mL final → 10 mL stock + 90 mL water.
Quick reference
| Ratio | Stock per 100 mL |
|---|---|
| 1:2 | 50 mL |
| 1:10 | 10 mL |
| 1:100 | 1 mL |
1:X = 1 part in X total.
Where you will actually use this
Ratio confusion is the #1 dilution error in teaching labs.
- Teaching labs
- Serial dilution planning
- Reagent prep
Mistakes that give wrong answers
- 1:10 as 1+10 instead of 1+9
- Wrong total volume
Key takeaways
- Formula: Stock volume = Final volume × Stock parts ÷ Total parts
- Remember: 1:X = 1 part in X total.
- Watch out for: 1:10 as 1+10 instead of 1+9
- Next step: run your own numbers in the calculator above, then verify with a measurement — calculated values are only as good as the inputs.
Frequently asked questions
What does 1:10 dilution mean?
1 part stock in 10 parts total (1 + 9 diluent).
How do you make 100 mL of 1:100?
1 mL stock + 99 mL diluent.