How It Works
This calculator works in 3 steps.
Enter the step factor (F)
Type the dilution factor per step, such as 2, 5, or 10.
Enter the diluent volume per tube
Type the volume pre-filled in each tube or well.
Read the transfer volume
The calculator returns V_t = V_d / (F − 1).
Check the volume left
The calculator shows that each tube keeps V_d after its own transfer out, so every tube ends at the same volume.
The Formula
The formula divides the diluent volume by the step factor minus 1.
V_t = V_d / (F − 1)V_mix = V_t + V_dF = (V_t + V_d) / V_t- V_t:
- Transfer volume
- V_d:
- Diluent volume per tube
- F:
- Step factor
- V_mix:
- Volume in the tube right after mixing
A fivefold series with 400 µL diluent per tube needs V_t = 400 / 4 = 100 µL. Each tube holds 500 µL after mixing and 400 µL after its transfer out.
Conversion Table
The conversion table gives the transfer volume for 7 factor and diluent combinations.
| Factor | Diluent per tube | Transfer volume | Mixed volume | Volume left |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 100 µL | 100 µL | 200 µL | 100 µL |
| 3 | 200 µL | 100 µL | 300 µL | 200 µL |
| 5 | 400 µL | 100 µL | 500 µL | 400 µL |
| 10 | 900 µL | 100 µL | 1,000 µL | 900 µL |
| 10 | 180 µL | 20 µL | 200 µL | 180 µL |
| 4 | 150 µL | 50 µL | 200 µL | 150 µL |
| 2.5 | 300 µL | 200 µL | 500 µL | 300 µL |
What Is the Serial Dilution Transfer Volume Calculator?
The Serial Dilution Transfer Volume Calculator is a tool that returns the volume to move from one tube to the next for a set step factor and diluent volume. The transfer volume equals the diluent volume divided by the factor minus 1.
The transfer volume decides pipette choice and the volume left in each tube. A 1:10 step with 900 µL diluent needs a 100 µL transfer, while a 1:10 step with 180 µL diluent needs a 20 µL transfer. The calculator returns the transfer, the mixed volume, and the volume left after the next transfer.
Common Uses
There are 5 main uses of this calculator.
Pipette selection
Users pick a P20, P200, or P1000 based on the transfer volume.
Multichannel setup
Technicians set an 8- or 12-channel pipette for row-to-row transfers.
Plate well volumes
Researchers keep mixed volumes under the 300 µL limit of standard 96-well plates.
Liquid handler programming
Automation scientists enter transfer volumes into robot methods.
Tube sizing
Users choose 1.5 mL or 15 mL tubes from the mixed volume.