Serial Dilution Calculator and Plate Planner
Serial dilution
| Well | Replicate | Step | Target | Source | Add Source | Add Diluent | Transfer / Discard | Final Volume |
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Serial Dilution guide & FAQ
Plan a serial dilution across a well plate
This serial dilution calculator creates a step-by-step pipetting plan for 24-, 96-, or 384-well plates. Set the stock concentration, desired first-well concentration, dilution factor, number of steps, replicates, direction, and final volume. The planner calculates the target concentration and the source, diluent, transfer, and discard volumes for every well.
For a dilution factor F, each successive concentration is Cn = C1 / Fn−1. A two-fold dilution halves the concentration at each step; a ten-fold dilution produces 1:10, 1:100, 1:1,000, and so on. The first well is prepared from the stock using the same conservation relationship as C₁V₁ = C₂V₂.
How to use the dilution plate planner
- Select the plate format, start well, and whether the series should run across rows or down columns.
- Enter the starting stock, target first concentration, dilution factor, final volume left per well, and number of replicates.
- Review the warning panel and pipetting table, then print, save as PDF, export CSV, or open the result in the Plate Designer.
Concentration units are labels in this planner, so keep the stock and target values in the same unit. Confirm that every calculated transfer is within the accurate range of the pipette you intend to use. The completed series can be transferred to the microplate layout designer for additional labeling.
Serial dilution FAQ
What does a two-fold serial dilution mean?
Each step contains half the concentration of the previous step. For example, a series beginning at 100 µM becomes 50, 25, 12.5, and 6.25 µM.
Does the calculator account for transfer volume?
Yes. It prepares enough liquid for the requested final volume to remain after transferring material to the next well, and the final step includes a discard volume when needed to keep volumes consistent.
Can I design replicate dilution series?
Yes. Choose the replicate count and the planner lays out identical series in neighboring rows or columns, subject to available plate space.