Serial Dilution Calculator

Stepwise Solution Dilution for Chemistry & Microbiology

Calculate the concentration of each tube in a serial dilution. Enter your starting concentration, dilution factor or transfer/total volume, and the number of steps. Get a full breakdown of concentrations at each stage.

Serial Dilution Examples

See how serial dilution works in real scenarios.

1/10 Serial Dilution, 5 Steps

Dilution Factor

Start with 1 mg/mL, dilute 1/10 each step, 5 tubes.

Initial Concentration: 1

Concentration Unit: mg/mL

Dilution Factor: 10

Steps: 5

1/5 Serial Dilution, 4 Steps

Dilution Factor

Start with 0.2 mol/L, dilute 1/5 each step, 4 tubes.

Initial Concentration: 0.2

Concentration Unit: mol/L

Dilution Factor: 5

Steps: 4

Transfer 1 mL to 9 mL, 6 Steps

Volumes

Start with 100 µg/mL, transfer 1 mL to 9 mL each step, 6 tubes.

Initial Concentration: 100

Concentration Unit: µg/mL

Transfer Volume: 1 mL

Total Volume: 10 mL

Volume Unit: mL

Steps: 6

Transfer 0.5 mL to 4.5 mL, 3 Steps

Volumes

Start with 2 %, transfer 0.5 mL to 4.5 mL each step, 3 tubes.

Initial Concentration: 2

Concentration Unit: %

Transfer Volume: 0.5 mL

Total Volume: 5 mL

Volume Unit: mL

Steps: 3

Other Titles
Understanding Serial Dilution Calculator: A Comprehensive Guide
Mastering Stepwise Solution Dilution in Chemistry and Biology

What is Serial Dilution?

  • Definition and Purpose
  • Where Serial Dilution is Used
  • Key Concepts in Serial Dilution
Serial dilution is a stepwise process of diluting a solution multiple times by the same factor, commonly used in chemistry, biology, and laboratory settings to achieve very low concentrations.
Why Serial Dilution Matters

Common Serial Dilution Applications

  • Diluting a bacterial culture for colony counting.
  • Preparing standard solutions for calibration curves.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Serial Dilution Calculator

  • Input Fields Explained
  • How to Enter Volumes or Dilution Factor
  • Interpreting the Results
To use the calculator, enter your initial concentration, select the unit, and specify either the dilution factor or the transfer and total volumes. Choose the number of steps and view the concentration at each stage.
Tips for Accurate Input

How to Use the Calculator

  • Entering 1 mg/mL, DF 10, 5 steps gives concentrations down to 0.00001 mg/mL.
  • Using 1 mL transfer to 9 mL total is equivalent to a 1/10 dilution each step.

Real-World Applications of Serial Dilution

  • Microbiology and Bacterial Counting
  • Chemistry and Standard Solutions
  • Pharmaceutical and Environmental Testing
Serial dilution is essential for quantifying microorganisms, preparing calibration standards, and ensuring accurate measurements in pharmaceutical and environmental labs.
Industries Benefiting from Serial Dilution

Industry Use Cases

  • Counting bacteria in water samples.
  • Preparing enzyme dilutions for activity assays.

Common Misconceptions and Correct Methods

  • Avoiding Calculation Errors
  • Correct Use of Units
  • Choosing the Right Dilution Factor
Mistakes in serial dilution often arise from incorrect volume measurements, misunderstanding dilution factors, or inconsistent units. Always double-check your inputs and use the calculator's validation features.
Best Practices for Serial Dilution

How to Avoid Mistakes

  • Mixing up transfer and total volume leads to wrong DF.
  • Using inconsistent units (e.g., mL and L) causes errors.

Mathematical Derivation and Examples

  • Serial Dilution Formula
  • Worked Example Calculations
  • Understanding Total Dilution
The concentration at each step is calculated as: Cn = C0 / (DF^n) or Cn = C0 * (Vtransfer/Vtotal)^n. The total dilution is the product of all stepwise dilutions.
Example Calculation

Mathematical Examples

  • Start with 1 mg/mL, DF 10, 3 steps: Final = 0.001 mg/mL.
  • Start with 100 µg/mL, transfer 1 mL to 9 mL, 2 steps: Final = 1 µg/mL.