Serial Dilution Calculator

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Calculate the concentration across multiple steps of a serial dilution series.

Dilution Parameters

Initial Concentration (C₀)

Dilution Factor (DF)

Number of Steps

Concentration Series

Stock

1.0000 M

Step 1

0.1000 M

Step 2

0.0100 M

Step 3

0.0010 M

Step 4

0.0001 M

Step 5

1.0000e-5 M

Dilution Curve

About this calculator

Overview

Serial dilution creates a geometric series of concentrations by successively diluting a stock solution with a constant dilution factor. This technique is essential when you need to span several orders of magnitude in concentration, such as in microbial counting, enzyme kinetics, or drug dose-response studies.

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Pro Tips

Dilution factor (DF) = (Total volume) / (Aliquotted volume).
For a 1:10 dilution, add 1 part sample to 9 parts diluent (total 10 parts).
Mix thoroughly between steps to ensure uniformity.
Cumulative errors can occur; precise pipetting at each step is critical.

Fun Facts

"Serial dilution was first described by Robert Koch in 1883 for studying infectious diseases."
"A 10-fold serial dilution can reduce 1 billion bacteria per mL to just 100 bacteria per mL in just 7 steps."
"The technique is often called 'log dilution' because each step represents a fixed logarithmic decrease."
"Homeopathic remedies often use dilutions so extreme (e.g., 30C) that not a single molecule of the original substance remains."

Formula: C_n = C_0 imes (DF)^{-n}