Free · Laboratory calculations

Cell Suspension Dilution: Concentration & Volume

Balance cell concentration and volume before and after dilution using conservation of cell count and compatible volume units.

  • Formula & worked example
  • Private in your browser
  • No signup
Go to tool

Calculator inputs

Loading calculator…

How to use this calculator

  1. Enter the known values in the units shown. Results update as you type.
  2. Where results are editable, change one to solve backwards. Lock a value to hold it fixed.
  3. Use the worked example to check the method. Reset restores the starting fields.

Private by default

Inputs and results stay in this browser tab. Bookify does not upload or store the values you enter.

Formula and method

Taking 2 mL of a suspension at 1,000 cells/mL and making its total volume 10 mL gives 200 cells/mL. The total number of cells stays 2,000.

C₁V₁ = C₂V₂

Worked example

Enter these known values and leave the other values blank.

Starting cell concentration C₁
1000 cells / mL
Starting suspension volume V₁
2 mL
Diluted cell concentration C₂
200 cells / mL
Total volume after dilution V₂
10 mL

Assumptions and limitations

  • All concentrations and volumes are positive. Concentration uses cells per selected volume unit, so its unit conversion runs in the opposite direction from volume.
  • This dilution model conserves cell count. It assumes no growth, death or loss between the two states and a diluent with no added cells.
  • Final volume includes the starting suspension. Added diluent volume is V₂ − V₁, not V₂.
  • Dilution can lower concentration or leave it unchanged; it cannot raise concentration by adding cell-free diluent.

Common questions

Which three values should I enter?

Enter any three known quantities among starting concentration, starting volume, final concentration and final volume. The fourth follows from their concentration-volume products.

How much diluent does the example need?

Its final 10 mL includes the original 2 mL, so the added volume is 8 mL.

References

Bookify requires the final concentration not to exceed the starting concentration and the final volume not to be smaller than the starting volume for dilution.

Explore laboratory calculations or browse all biology calculators.