1. What is the Dilution Factor?

The dilution factor (DF) is a dimensionless number that represents the ratio of the initial concentration to the final concentration of a solution. It indicates how many times a solution has been diluted.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the dilution factor formula:

Where:

• \( DF \) — Dilution factor (dimensionless)
• \( C_i \) — Initial concentration (mg/mL)
• \( C_f \) — Final concentration (mg/mL)

Explanation: The formula calculates how many times more concentrated the original solution is compared to the diluted solution.

3. Importance of Dilution Factor Calculation

Details: Accurate dilution factor calculation is crucial for laboratory work, pharmaceutical preparations, chemical experiments, and ensuring proper concentration levels in various scientific applications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter both initial and final concentrations in mg/mL. Both values must be valid (greater than 0). The result will be a dimensionless number representing the dilution factor.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What does a dilution factor of 10 mean?
A: A dilution factor of 10 means the original solution was 10 times more concentrated than the final diluted solution.

Q2: Can I use different concentration units?
A: Yes, but both concentrations must use the same units (mg/mL, μg/mL, etc.) for the calculation to be valid.

Q3: What if my final concentration is higher than initial?
A: This would result in a dilution factor less than 1, which typically indicates an error since dilution should decrease concentration.

Q4: How is dilution factor related to dilution ratio?
A: Dilution factor is the inverse of the dilution ratio. For example, a 1:10 dilution has a dilution factor of 10.

Q5: Can this calculator be used for serial dilutions?
A: This calculator calculates single-step dilution factor. For serial dilutions, multiply the individual dilution factors of each step.