1. What is Dilution Factor?

Dilution Factor (DF) is a measure of how much a solution has been diluted. It represents the ratio of the initial concentration to the final concentration after dilution.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the dilution factor formula:

Where:

• \( C_{initial} \) — Initial concentration before dilution
• \( C_{final} \) — Final concentration after dilution

Explanation: The dilution factor indicates how many times the original solution was diluted to achieve the final concentration.

3. Importance of Dilution Factor Calculation

Details: Accurate dilution factor calculation is crucial in laboratory settings for preparing solutions with precise concentrations, ensuring experimental reproducibility, and maintaining consistency in analytical procedures.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter both initial and final concentrations in the same units (mg/mL shown, but any concentration unit can be used as long as consistent). Both values must be greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What does a dilution factor of 1000 mean?
A: A DF of 1000 means the original solution was diluted 1000 times, typically by taking 1 part stock solution and adding 999 parts diluent.

Q2: Can I use different concentration units?
A: Yes, as long as both initial and final concentrations use the same units, the dilution factor will be correct.

Q3: How do I prepare a 1:1000 dilution?
A: To make a 1:1000 dilution, mix 1 unit volume of stock solution with 999 units volume of diluent (e.g., 1 mL stock + 999 mL diluent).

Q4: What's the difference between dilution factor and dilution ratio?
A: Dilution factor is a mathematical ratio (e.g., 1000), while dilution ratio expresses the parts (e.g., 1:1000 means 1 part solute to 1000 parts total solution).

Q5: Can dilution factor be less than 1?
A: No, dilution factor should always be ≥1 since it represents how many times a solution has been diluted.