How It Works
This converter works in 3 steps.
Enter the dilution factor
Type the DF, such as 20.
Choose the ratio convention
Select stock-to-diluent or stock-to-final for the output.
Enter a batch volume
Type the total volume to prepare, such as 1 L.
Read the ratio and volumes
The calculator writes the ratio and splits the batch into stock and diluent volumes.
The Formula
The formula subtracts 1 from DF for the stock-to-diluent ratio and keeps DF unchanged for the stock-to-final ratio.
1 : (DF − 1)1 : DFV_stock = V_batch / DF- DF:
- Dilution factor
- V_batch:
- Total batch volume
- V_stock:
- Stock volume
A DF of 50 becomes 1:49 (stock-to-diluent) or 1:50 (stock-to-final). A 1 L batch needs 20 mL stock and 980 mL diluent.
Conversion Table
The conversion table converts 8 dilution factors into both ratio forms and 1 L (33.8 US fl oz) batch volumes.
| DF | Stock:diluent | Stock:final | Stock per 1 L | Diluent per 1 L |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 1:1 | 1:2 | 500 mL | 500 mL |
| 4 | 1:3 | 1:4 | 250 mL | 750 mL |
| 5 | 1:4 | 1:5 | 200 mL | 800 mL |
| 10 | 1:9 | 1:10 | 100 mL | 900 mL |
| 20 | 1:19 | 1:20 | 50 mL | 950 mL |
| 50 | 1:49 | 1:50 | 20 mL | 980 mL |
| 100 | 1:99 | 1:100 | 10 mL | 990 mL |
| 1000 | 1:999 | 1:1000 | 1 mL | 999 mL |
What Is the Dilution Factor-to-Ratio Converter?
The Dilution Factor-to-Ratio Converter is a tool that turns a dilution factor (DF) into a ratio in the user's chosen convention, plus the volumes for a set batch size. A DF of 10 becomes 1:9 in stock-to-diluent form and 1:10 in stock-to-final form.
Dilution factors appear in calculations and instrument software, and ratios appear on labels and bench sheets. The converter links the 2 forms, so a calculated DF goes straight onto a bench instruction without a hand conversion.
Common Uses
There are 5 main uses of this converter.
Bench sheet writing
Technicians turn a calculated DF into a ratio printed on a bench sheet.
Product labeling
Formulators state a DF as a 1:X dilution on a concentrate label.
Instrument software output
Analysts translate a software-reported DF into a manual dilution ratio.
Kit inserts
Kit writers express each reagent DF as a clear ratio for end users.
Training material
Trainers show DF and ratio forms next to each other.