Serial Dilution Step Planner

Break down high-order serial dilutions into manageable steps by specifying the stock concentration, desired target, and per-step ratio.

Concentration factor of the starting solution (e.g., 1,000,000×).
Desired final concentration factor.
How much each step dilutes the sample (e.g., 10 for 1:10).
Optional. Leave blank for 1 mL transferred each step.

Examples

  • 1,000,000× stock to 100× with 1:10 steps, 1 mL aliquot ⇒ Result: 5 steps • each: 1.00 mL sample + 9.00 mL diluent
  • 500× stock to 0.5× with 1:5 steps, 0.5 mL aliquot ⇒ Result: 4 steps • each: 0.50 mL sample + 2.00 mL diluent

FAQ

How do I handle volumes that exceed my tube size?

Reduce the aliquot volume and proportionally scale the diluent so the ratio remains constant.

Can I plan different final volumes?

Yes. Multiply the per-step volumes by the number of replicates needed or adjust the aliquot to deliver the desired final volume per tube.

What if I need an exact concentration between steps?

Perform the serial dilution up to the nearest higher concentration, then make a final partial dilution to fine tune the exact target.

Additional Information

  • Outputs the number of dilution steps plus the sample and diluent volumes per step.
  • The calculation assumes constant dilution factor at each stage.
  • Adjust aliquot volume to match the pipettes or tubes available in your workflow.
  • For uneven steps, round down the final aliquot and prepare an additional fine-tune dilution if required.