1. What is a Dilution Ratio Calculator?

Definition: This calculator determines the ratio of concentrate to total solution when making dilutions.

Purpose: It helps chemists, lab technicians, and anyone preparing solutions to achieve precise dilution ratios.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( R \) — Dilution ratio (dimensionless)
• \( C \) — Concentrate volume (liters or gallons)
• \( S \) — Solvent volume (liters or gallons)

Explanation: The ratio represents what portion of the total solution is concentrate.

3. Importance of Dilution Ratio

Details: Accurate dilution ratios are critical in chemistry, medicine, cleaning solutions, and industrial processes to ensure proper concentrations.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the concentrate volume and solvent volume in the same units (both liters or both gallons). All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between dilution ratio and dilution factor?
A: The ratio is concentrate to total volume, while factor is total volume to concentrate volume.

Q2: How do I express the result as a ratio (e.g., 1:10)?
A: For 1:10, the calculator would show 0.0909 (1/(1+10)).

Q3: Can I use different units for concentrate and solvent?
A: No, use consistent units (both liters or both gallons) for accurate results.

Q4: What's a typical dilution ratio for cleaning solutions?
A: Common ratios range from 1:10 (0.0909) to 1:100 (0.0099) depending on the product.

Q5: How does this differ from percentage concentration?
A: Multiply the ratio by 100 to get percentage (e.g., 0.1 ratio = 10% concentration).