Calculate
Formula and method
Per-step concentration fraction = transfer ÷ (transfer + diluent), after volume normalization. Step n concentration = starting concentration × fractionⁿ. Cumulative fold dilution = 1 ÷ fractionⁿ.
Worked example
For 1 M start, 1 mL transfer, 9 mL diluent, and three repeated steps, concentrations are 0.1, 0.01, and 0.001 M; cumulative fold dilutions are 10×, 100×, and 1,000×.
Assumptions and limitations
This is mathematical series planning only. It is not a laboratory procedure, medication calculation, CFU estimate, sterility instruction, or chemical-mixing guidance.
Frequently asked question
How is this different from a single-step dilution calculator?
Each row uses the previous concentration as its input, rather than solving one C₁V₁ = C₂V₂ relationship.
Methodology source
University of Maryland MathBench: Dilution Factor. Reference, not endorsement.