Nucleic Acid Dilution Calculator (C1V1 = C2V2)

Nucleic Acid Dilution Calculator (C1V1 = C2V2) | Online Free Tool | Elysia Tools

Tool usage guide

Learn when to use this tool, what it supports, and how real users apply it.

Key facts

Category: Education
Input types: select, number
Output type: json
Sample coverage: 4
API ready: Yes

Overview

The Nucleic Acid Dilution Calculator helps prepare DNA or RNA working solutions using either C1V1 = C2V2 or a fixed 1:X dilution factor. Enter the stock concentration and final volume to calculate the stock and diluent volumes, final concentration, and dilution factor.

When to use

Calculate the stock volume needed for a specific DNA or RNA target concentration.
Prepare a working solution using a fixed dilution factor such as 1:10 or 1:100.
Check whether the calculated stock volume is practical for pipetting before preparing the solution.

How it works

1Choose Target concentration (C1V1 = C2V2) or Dilution factor (1:X) mode.
2Enter the stock concentration, target concentration or dilution factor, and final volume.
3The calculator determines the stock volume, diluent volume, final concentration, and dilution factor.
4Use matching concentration units for the stock and target; targets above the stock concentration are rejected.

Use cases

Prepare DNA or RNA working solutions for molecular biology experiments.
Create lower-concentration solutions from quantified stock samples.
Plan practical dilution volumes for qPCR, cloning, or other nucleic acid workflows.

Examples

1. Prepare 50 µL at 100 ng/µL from a 500 ng/µL stock

Molecular biology researcher

Background

A quantified nucleic acid stock is available at 500 ng/µL, and a 100 ng/µL working solution is needed.

Problem

Determine how much stock and diluent are required for a 50 µL final volume.

How to use

Select Target concentration (C1V1 = C2V2), enter 500 ng/µL stock, 100 ng/µL target, and 50 µL final volume.

Stock concentration: 500 ng/µL; target concentration: 100 ng/µL; final volume: 50 µL.

Outcome

Mix 10 µL stock with 40 µL diluent to obtain 50 µL at 100 ng/µL, a 5-fold dilution.

2. Make a 1:100 dilution from a 1000 ng/µL stock

Laboratory technician

Background

A high-concentration nucleic acid stock must be diluted by a fixed 1:100 factor to prepare 100 µL of working solution.

Problem

Calculate the stock and diluent volumes while checking whether the stock volume is practical to pipette.

How to use

Select Dilution factor (1:X), enter 1000 ng/µL stock, a dilution factor of 100, and a 100 µL final volume.

FAQ

Which concentration units can I use?

Any concentration unit can be used, including ng/µL, µg/mL, or nM, as long as the stock and target units match.

What does C1V1 = C2V2 calculate?

It calculates the stock volume as V1 = C2 × V2 ÷ C1, then gives the diluent volume needed to reach the final volume.

What does a 1:X dilution mean?

A 1:X dilution uses one part stock in X total parts, producing a final concentration of C1 ÷ X.

What if the calculated stock volume is very small?

A volume below 0.5 µL suggests using a two-step serial dilution; a volume below 2 µL suggests using a low-retention tip.

Can the calculator increase concentration?

No. A target concentration higher than the stock concentration is rejected because dilution cannot increase concentration.

Stock concentration: 1000 ng/µL; dilution factor: 100; final volume: 100 µL.

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Learn when to use this tool, what it supports, and how real users apply it.

Key facts

Overview

When to use

How it works

Use cases

Examples

1. Prepare 50 µL at 100 ng/µL from a 500 ng/µL stock

2. Make a 1:100 dilution from a 1000 ng/µL stock

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