How It Works
This calculator works in 4 steps.
Enter the use rate
Type the rate from the label or SOP.
Choose the rate unit
Select fl oz per gallon, mL per liter, or percent.
Enter the water volume
Type the sink, bucket, or tank volume.
Read the amounts
The calculator returns detergent in fl oz and mL and the metric rate.
The Formula
The formula multiplies the use rate by the water volume.
V_det = rate × V_watermL/L = oz/gal × 7.8125mL/L = % × 10- rate:
- Label use rate
- V_water:
- Water volume
A rate of 1 fl oz per gallon in a 5 gallon (18.9 L) sink needs 5 fl oz (147.9 mL) of detergent.
Conversion Table
The conversion table gives detergent amounts for 6 use rates and batch sizes.
| Use rate | Water | Detergent (fl oz) | Detergent (mL) | Metric rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 fl oz/gal | 1 US gal (3.785 L) | 0.5 fl oz | 14.79 mL | 3.906 mL/L |
| 1 fl oz/gal | 1 US gal (3.785 L) | 1 fl oz | 29.57 mL | 7.812 mL/L |
| 1 fl oz/gal | 5 US gal (18.93 L) | 5 fl oz | 147.9 mL | 7.812 mL/L |
| 2 fl oz/gal | 3 US gal (11.36 L) | 6 fl oz | 177.4 mL | 15.62 mL/L |
| 4 fl oz/gal | 1 US gal (3.785 L) | 4 fl oz | 118.3 mL | 31.25 mL/L |
| 0.25 fl oz/gal | 10 US gal (37.85 L) | 2.5 fl oz | 73.93 mL | 1.953 mL/L |
What Is the Detergent Dilution Calculator?
The Detergent Dilution Calculator is a tool that returns the amount of liquid detergent and water for a stated use rate and batch size, in both US and metric units. Detergent labels often state a rate such as 1 fl oz per gallon of water.
Detergent use rates appear as oz per gallon, mL per liter, or percent. The calculator converts among these forms and scales to sinks, buckets, and parts washers. Overdosing wastes product and leaves residue, while underdosing leaves soil, so the result follows the stated rate exactly.
Common Uses
There are 5 main uses of this calculator.
Dishwashing sinks
Kitchen staff dose 3-compartment sinks.
Lab glassware
Labs prepare glassware detergent at 1% to 2%.
Parts washers
Shops dose aqueous parts washers.
Laundry
Laundries dose liquid detergent per load water volume.
Pressure washing
Operators premix detergent per tank.