Dilution Calculator
A 1:10 dilution means 1 part concentrate plus 10 parts water (11 parts in all), so 1,100 mL needs 100 mL of concentrate and 1,000 mL of water. "1 in 10" means 1 part in 10 parts total, so 1,100 mL needs 110 mL of concentrate and 990 mL of water.
How to use
- Pick Ratio, Percent or C1V1 = C2V2.
- For a ratio, choose how it is written. 1:10 means 1 part concentrate plus 10 parts water. 1 in 10 means 1 part concentrate in 10 parts total.
- Enter the ratio, the total amount you want to make, and the volume unit.
- Read how much concentrate and how much water to measure out. Add the concentrate to the water, then mix.
- In C1V1 mode, choose which value to solve for and fill in the other three.
How it works
Ratio a:b (parts): concentrate = total x a / (a + b), water = total x b / (a + b). Example: 1:10 for 1,100 mL gives 1,100 x 1 / 11 = 100 mL of concentrate and 1,000 mL of water.
Ratio a in b (total parts): concentrate = total x a / b, water = total x (b - a) / b. Example: 1 in 10 for 1,000 mL gives 100 mL of concentrate and 900 mL of water, which is the same mix as 1:9.
Percent: concentrate = total x target % / stock %, and water is the rest. For a 5% mix from a pure (100%) product, 2,000 mL needs 100 mL of concentrate and 1,900 mL of water.
C1V1 = C2V2: stock strength x stock volume = final strength x final volume. To go from 70% to 30% for 500 mL, V1 = 30 x 500 / 70 = 214.3 mL of stock plus 285.7 mL of water. Use any unit for strength, as long as both use the same one.
Assumption: the volumes add up. Real mixes, especially alcohol and water, shrink very slightly. Always follow the dilution on the product label when there is one.
FAQ
What is the difference between 1:10 and 1 in 10?
1:10 usually means 1 part concentrate to 10 parts water, so 11 parts in total and about 9.1% concentrate. 1 in 10 means 1 part concentrate in 10 parts total, so 9 parts of water and 10% concentrate. Labels are not always clear, so choose the form your product uses.
Do I add the concentrate to the water or the other way round?
Follow the product label. For most household products add the concentrate to the water. For strong acids and bases the rule is always add the concentrate to the water slowly, never water to the concentrate.
How do I find the concentrate for a percent strength?
Use Percent mode. Enter the percent you want in the final mix, the percent of your stock (100 if it is pure), and the total volume. Stock at 70% and a 30% mix is the same as V1 = 30 x total / 70.
Can I use it for chemicals, bleach, or lab work?
The arithmetic is the same for any liquid, but it only gives volumes. Never mix different cleaning chemicals such as bleach with ammonia or acids, use the strength and safety guidance on the label or safety data sheet, and for lab or medical use follow your lab procedure.
Which gallon and ounce does it use?
US customary: 1 fl oz = 29.5735 mL and 1 gallon = 128 fl oz = 3.7854 L. Imperial gallons and ounces are different, so convert first if your product uses them.