Dilution calculator
Calculate ideal stock and diluent volumes.
Arithmetic plus process control
Dilution is a measurement operation.
The familiar relationship C₁V₁ = C₂V₂ calculates ideal volumes. A defensible preparation also controls stock homogeneity, concentration units, transfer-device calibration, diluent quality, mixing, adsorption, contamination and final stability.
Stock volume V₁ = (target concentration C₂ × final volume V₂) ÷ stock concentration C₁Before calculating
Confirm that the concentration units mean the same thing.
| Concentration expression | Meaning | Common error |
|---|---|---|
| wt% | Mass of particle relative to total formulation mass under a defined convention | Treating it as volume percent |
| mg/mL | Particle mass per liquid volume | Ignoring stock density or certificate basis |
| particles/mL | Number concentration | Converting from mass without size, density and distribution assumptions |
| volume fraction | Particle volume relative to total volume | Using a mass-based formula without density conversion |
| custom certificate value | Lot-specific assigned concentration or count | Replacing it with the catalog nominal value |
Controlled procedure
Build a dilution record that another technician can reproduce.
- Product, lot, expiration and starting concentration
- Stock conditioning or mixing before withdrawal
- Diluent identity, lot, purity, pH and conductivity where relevant
- Calibrated transfer device and actual volumes
- Vessel material, final volume and preparation sequence
- Mixing method, energy, time and temperature
- Final appearance and any size, concentration or application verification
- Preparation time, hold time and storage condition
Stability after dilution
The final formulation may not behave like the stock.
Dilution reduces particle concentration but also changes stabilizer concentration, ionic environment, pH and collision dynamics. Buffer or process-fluid dilution can destabilize a stock that is stable in its original medium. Verify the final condition under the actual use window.
Questions engineers ask
Frequently asked questions
Can I dilute a 10 wt% silica stock using C1V1=C2V2?
The equation can calculate ideal stock and diluent volumes when units and concentration definitions are consistent. It does not account for density, contraction, adsorption, aggregation or transfer losses.
Should I vortex or sonicate after dilution?
Follow a validated product- and application-specific procedure. Excess energy can heat, contaminate or change the sample.
Sources and verification
Technical basis
- NIST measurement protocols — Supports treating preparation and transfer as part of the measurement process.
- NIST traceability policy — Explains how user operations extend the uncertainty and traceability chain.
- Applied Physics silica dispersion family — Commercial stock-dispersion reference.
Commercial specifications should be confirmed against the current Applied Physics quotation, certificate, lot documentation and product page before purchase or protocol use.
Continue the research
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Applied Physics technical pathway
Need a particle specification reviewed?
Send the target size, medium, concentration, application, certificate requirements and shipping destination. Applied Physics can evaluate the appropriate silica family or custom pathway.