Chemistry
Dilution equation
The moles of solute are conserved, so concentration times volume is unchanged by adding solvent.
The Formula
C1 x V1 = C2 x V2
The moles of solute are conserved, so concentration times volume is unchanged by adding solvent.
| Symbol | Meaning | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| C1 | Stock concentration | mol/L | The concentration you are diluting from. |
| V1 | Stock volume | L | How much of the stock solution to measure out. |
| C2 | Final concentration | mol/L | The concentration you want. |
| V2 | Final volume | L | The total volume of the diluted solution. |
What Each Symbol Means
C1mol/L
Stock concentration
The concentration you are diluting from.
V1L
Stock volume
How much of the stock solution to measure out.
C2mol/L
Final concentration
The concentration you want.
V2L
Final volume
The total volume of the diluted solution.
See It Worked With Real Numbers
A formula on its own does not tell you which number goes where. The how to calculate dilution page applies this equation to a concrete case, shows every intermediate step, and names the mistakes that produce a wrong answer even when the algebra is right.
Where This Formula Appears
This equation is the working core of How To Calculate Dilution, filed under Science. Every number the guide produces comes from substituting into this one line.