Cell Dilution Calculator

Easily determine how much of your stock cell suspension you need to reach your target concentration and volume.

Stock Concentration (C1)*

Desired Concentration (C2)*

Final Total Volume (V2)*

V1 = (C2 × V2) / C1 Diluent Volume = V2 - V1 Where: • C1: Initial concentration of the stock cell suspension. • V1: Required volume of the stock to be used. • C2: Desired final concentration for the experiment. • V2: Final total volume of the diluted suspension.

Scenario: You have a stock of HeLa cells at 2.5 × 10⁶ cells/mL (C1) and need to prepare 10 mL (V2) of a suspension at a lower density of 5.0 × 10⁵ cells/mL (C2) for seeding. Calculation: 1. Stock Volume (V1) = (500,000 × 10) / 2,500,000 = 2.0 mL. 2. Media/Diluent = 10 mL (Total) - 2.0 mL (Stock) = 8.0 mL. Result: Pipette 2.0 mL of your stock cells into a tube and add 8.0 mL of fresh culture media.

What is cell dilution?

Cell dilution is the process of reducing the concentration of a cell suspension by adding a specific volume of buffer or culture medium. This is critical for preparing samples for counting, seeding plates, or performing assays.

How do I use the C1V1 = C2V2 formula for cells?

C1 is your starting (stock) cell concentration, V1 is the volume of that stock you need to use, C2 is your desired final concentration, and V2 is the final total volume. V1 = (C2 × V2) / C1.

What units should I use for concentration?

The units must be consistent. Common units are cells/mL, cells/uL, or simply "million cells/mL". As long as both C1 and C2 use the same unit, the calculation will be correct.

How do I find the volume of diluent to add?

Once you calculate the required stock volume (V1), the amount of diluent (buffer/medium) to add is V2 - V1.

🔗 Related Calculators

📐 Formula

📝 Example Calculation

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What is cell dilution?▼

How do I use the C1V1 = C2V2 formula for cells?▼

C1 is your starting (stock) cell concentration, V1 is the volume of that stock you need to use, C2 is your desired final concentration, and V2 is the final total volume. V1 = (C2 × V2) / C1.

What units should I use for concentration?▼

The units must be consistent. Common units are cells/mL, cells/uL, or simply "million cells/mL". As long as both C1 and C2 use the same unit, the calculation will be correct.

How do I find the volume of diluent to add?▼

Once you calculate the required stock volume (V1), the amount of diluent (buffer/medium) to add is V2 - V1.