Calculate stock transfer and diluent requirements for a serial dilution series. Enter the per-step dilution factor, number of dilution levels, replicates per level, final volume per replicate, and an overage allowance. The calculator reports total diluent, transfer volume at each step, total prepared volume, and source volume needed.
The main result is the total volume prepared across all diluted levels. It helps size tubes and estimate reagent use.
This planning model treats each level as an independently prepared volume. If downstream transfer is taken from the same tube, add that transfer demand to the volume required at the preceding level.
For six 10-fold levels, three 1 mL replicates, and 10% overage, prepare 3.3 mL per level. Each step uses 0.33 mL source plus 2.97 mL diluent. Total prepared volume is 19.8 mL.
No. It includes only diluent added to the prepared dilution levels.
The calculator assumes equal prepared volume and the same dilution factor at each level.
Replicates multiply the usable volume needed at every dilution level.
Yes. Enter 2 as the dilution factor per step.
Not automatically. Add that demand to the required volume or use sufficient overage when one tube feeds the next.
| Variable | Meaning | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| DF | Dilution factor at each step | fold |
| L | Number of diluted levels | levels |
| R | Replicates at each level | count |
| Vp | Prepared volume per level | mL |