MyCalCute
Install
Calculators / Science / Repeated serial dilution

Repeated serial dilution calculator

Apply identical transfer-and-diluent steps to an initial concentration.

On this page

Your result

Final concentration1
Overall dilution factor1,000
Single-step dilution factor10

Calculator controls

How to calculate

Repeated serial dilutionRepeated serial dilutionRepeated serial dilutionOne part sample plus nine parts diluent gives a factor of ten per step. Three steps reduce 1000 to 1 in the same concentration unit. Concept diagram; not to scale.Repeated serial dilutionInitialconcentration1000Transfer volume(mL)1Finalconcentration1MyCalCute.comInitial concentration1000Transfer volume (mL)1Final concentration1
Repeated serial dilutionOne part sample plus nine parts diluent gives a factor of ten per step. Three steps reduce 1000 to 1 in the same concentration unit. Concept diagram; not to scale.Repeated serial dilutionInitialconcentration1000Transfer volume(mL)1Finalconcentration1MyCalCute.com
One part sample plus nine parts diluent gives a factor of ten per step. Three steps reduce 1000 to 1 in the same concentration unit. Concept diagram; not to scale.

Apply identical transfer-and-diluent steps to an initial concentration.

Final concentration = initial*(transfer/(transfer+diluent))^steps
Overall dilution factor = ((transfer+diluent)/transfer)^steps
Single-step dilution factor = (transfer+diluent)/transfer

Worked example

  • Initial concentration: 1000
  • Transfer volume (mL): 1
  • Diluent per step (mL): 9
  • Number of dilution steps: 3
  • Final concentration: 1
  • Overall dilution factor: 1,000
  • Single-step dilution factor: 10

Assumptions and limits

Assumes complete mixing, additive volumes and a fresh receiving vessel at every step. Do not use this as laboratory safety or clinical dosing guidance.

Results are rounded for display; calculations use unrounded values. Read our calculation methodology.

Understanding the result

Apply identical transfer-and-diluent steps to an initial concentration. One part sample plus nine parts diluent gives a factor of ten per step. Three steps reduce 1000 to 1 in the same concentration unit.

When this tool is useful

One part sample plus nine parts diluent gives a factor of ten per step. Three steps reduce 1000 to 1 in the same concentration unit.

Understanding your inputs

InputExample
Initial concentration initial1000
Transfer volume (mL) transfer1
Diluent per step (mL) diluent9
Number of dilution steps steps3

Frequently asked questions

What does this estimate leave out?

Assumes complete mixing, additive volumes and a fresh receiving vessel at every step. Do not use this as laboratory safety or clinical dosing guidance.

How do I check the example?

Use the stated units and the formula below. Keep full precision until the final answer; change one input at a time to see its effect.

Related calculators