How It Works
This generator works in 4 steps.
Choose the calculation type
Select C₁V₁ = C₂V₂, serial dilution, normalization, or multicomponent.
Choose columns and units
Add optional columns and set the units.
Set rows and protection
Set the row count and lock formula cells.
Download the file
Download XLSX or CSV, or copy formulas for Google Sheets.
The Formula
The Dilution Spreadsheet Generator writes cell formulas that apply C₁V₁ = C₂V₂ row by row.
=C2*D2/B2=D2-E2=B2/C2=IF(C2>=B2,"ERROR","OK")- B:
- Stock concentration column
- C:
- Target concentration column
- D:
- Final volume column
Row 2 with C₁ = 1,000, C₂ = 50, and V₂ = 100 mL returns 5 mL stock, 95 mL diluent, DF 20, and "OK".
Conversion Table
The conversion table shows the 8 columns of a basic C₁V₁ = C₂V₂ template with formulas and sample values.
| Column | Header | Type or formula | Sample value |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Solution | Text | Tris buffer |
| B | Stock C₁ | Number | 1000 |
| C | Target C₂ | Number | 50 |
| D | Final V₂ (mL) | Number | 100 |
| E | Stock V₁ (mL) | =C2*D2/B2 | 5 |
| F | Diluent (mL) | =D2-E2 | 95 |
| G | DF | =B2/C2 | 20 |
| H | Check | =IF(C2>=B2,"ERROR","OK") | OK |
What Is the Dilution Spreadsheet Generator?
The Dilution Spreadsheet Generator is a tool that creates a reusable spreadsheet template with input columns, formula columns, and checks for routine dilution preparation. The template works in Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, and LibreOffice Calc.
A spreadsheet template keeps the same formulas across users and days, which reduces copy errors. The generator lets the user choose the calculation type, the units, the number of rows, and optional columns, such as lot number and expiry. Formula cells are locked, and input cells are highlighted.
Common Uses
There are 5 main uses of this generator.
Shared lab templates
Labs share one validated template across staff.
Offline use
Users work in areas without internet access.
Teaching
Instructors show formulas inside cells.
Batch planning
Users fill many rows for weekly preparation.
LIMS staging
Labs stage data in a sheet before import.