What dilution series does this planner calculate?

It calculates serial dilution schemes using repeated 10-fold steps, equivalent to a 1:9 sample-to-diluent transfer.

How is the number of steps calculated?

In target mode, the planner uses the smallest whole number of steps that brings the concentration to the target or below it.

What does each tube concentration represent?

Tube k is calculated as the stock concentration divided by 10 to the power of k.

How does tube volume affect the recipe?

The selected final tube volume determines the sample and diluent amounts. For a 1 mL tube, the recipe is 100 µL sample plus 900 µL diluent.

Can I use concentration units other than CFU/mL?

Yes. Use any consistent concentration unit for the stock and target values.

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Serial Dilution Planner (10-Fold Series)

10-fold series design: step count from a target, per-tube concentration table, and the 1:9 transfer recipe. Educational use only.

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2 examples

2×10⁹ → 2×10³ CFU/mL → 6 tubes, 100 µL + 900 µL each

An overnight broth culture at 2×10⁹ CFU/mL needs to come down to ~2×10³ for direct plating. log₁₀(10⁶) = 6 exact steps, so tube 6 lands at 2×10³ CFU/mL. Per tube: 100 µL from the previous tube + 900 µL diluent (1 mL tubes), one fresh tip per transfer.

{"result":"6 × 10-fold steps: 2e9 → 2e3 (tube-by-tube table included); per tube 100 µL sample + 900 µL diluent.","metadata":{"result":{"steps":6,"finalConcentration":2000,"sampleVolumeUl":100,"diluentVolumeUl":900}}}

Stock 5×10⁶, fixed 4 steps → final tube 500

You always run four 10-fold tubes in your SOP. Starting from a 5×10⁶ suspension, the planner confirms the final tube sits at 5×10⁶ ÷ 10⁴ = 500, and lists 5×10⁵, 5×10⁴, 5×10³ along the way so you can pick the best tube for the assay.

{"result":"4 × 10-fold steps: 5e6 → 500 (500000, 50000, 5000, 500); per tube 100 µL sample + 900 µL diluent.","metadata":{"result":{"steps":4,"finalConcentration":500}}}

Inputs

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6 options

SettingsAdjust formats, ranges, numbers, and modes.6

Planning ModeselectRequiredSolve the step count from a target concentration, or start from a known step count.Stock ConcentrationnumberRequiredConcentration of the starting material (any consistent unit).Target ConcentrationnumberRequiredConcentration the final tube should reach or fall below (target mode).Number of 10× StepsnumberRequiredFixed step count (steps mode), 1–12.Total Volume per Tube (mL)numberRequiredFinal volume in each dilution tube; sets the transfer recipe.Decimal PlacesnumberOptional

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Serial Dilution Planner (10-Fold Series)

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Key facts

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Use cases

Examples

1. 2×10⁹ to 2×10³ CFU/mL target series

2. Fixed four-step series from 5×10⁶

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