How to use this calculator
- Select a known stage count or an exact target concentration.
- Enter the starting concentration and dilution factor.
- Enter the final volume for each stage.
- Calculate and follow the transfer and diluent table one row at a time.
Formula and variables
Cᵢ = C₀ / fⁱ; transfer = final volume / f
| Symbol | Meaning | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Cᵢ | stage concentration | selected concentration |
| C₀ | starting concentration | selected concentration |
| f | dilution factor | dimensionless |
Worked example
A 1:10 transfer repeated three times changes 1 M to 0.001 M.
Interpretation
Every row is one physical tube with a transfer volume plus diluent equal to the requested final stage volume.
Common mistakes
- A dilution factor must be greater than one.
- A target mode must land on a whole number of identical stages.
Frequently asked questions
What is a serial dilution factor?
It is the concentration ratio between one stage and the next stage.
What does the transfer volume mean?
Transfer that volume from the previous stage into the next tube or well.
Why can the target mode reject a concentration?
Identical stages can reach only concentrations that differ by a whole power of the dilution factor.
Can I use scientific notation?
Yes. Enter values such as 6.022e23 or 1.0e-6 in a numeric field.
How should I round the result?
Keep extra digits during the calculation. Round the final result to the precision required by your data.