Dilution Calculator

Exact amounts for 41 chemicals: by weight for acids, bases, peroxide and bleach, by volume for alcohols, with the pack size to buy.

Peroxide 30% → 3%Muriatic 31.45% → 10%Bleach 12.5% → 0.5%IPA 99% → 70%Vinegar 30% → 5%Phosphoric 85% → 10%
Target as

      Reviewed by Andre Taki, Chief Commercial Officer, Alliance Chemical. Densities: Laliberté (2009) and the CRC Handbook; bleach strength from Alliance's TDS. Check the SDS for your lot before mixing.

      AT
      Reviewed by Andre Taki — Chief Commercial Officer, Alliance Chemical

      Chief Commercial Officer at Alliance Chemical — a DoD Bronze Medal DLA supplier — with 20+ years of experience in the chemical industry and DOT hazardous-materials trained (49 CFR 172.704). Has helped thousands of clients across industrial manufacturing, laboratory and research, and hyperscale data center thermal management select and dilute the right acids, bases, solvents, oxidizers, and specialty coolants — and understand the chemistry behind safely handling, diluting, and applying them. Full bio & credentials →

      20+ YRS CHEMISTRY DOT HMT TRAINED DOD BRONZE MEDAL SUPPLIER DATA CENTER COOLANTS
      LAST UPDATED: 2026-04-15 C₁V₁ = C₂V₂ · M₁V₁ = M₂V₂ · ppm / ppb
      02

      By Chemical

      Dedicated guides for the chemicals customers dilute most often. Each page has the calculator set up for that chemical, plus buying guidance and safety specific to it.

      Quick Jump
      03

      How Dilution Works

      Understanding the science behind chemical dilution.

      The C1V1 = C2V2 Formula

      Dilution calculations follow the fundamental equation C1 x V1 = C2 x V2, where C1 is the stock concentration, V1 is the volume of stock needed, C2 is the target concentration, and V2 is the total final volume.

      Rearranging to solve for the unknown: V1 = (C2 x V2) / C1. This tells you exactly how much concentrated chemical to add. The remaining volume is your diluent (typically deionized water).

      Weight/Weight vs Volume/Volume

      Volume/volume (v/v) dilution measures both the solute and the final solution by volume. This is common for liquid-liquid mixing and is the simpler method for most industrial applications.

      Weight/weight (w/w) dilution measures both by mass. Because chemical density varies significantly (sulfuric acid at 1.84 g/mL vs water at 1.00 g/mL), w/w concentrations can differ substantially from v/v. This calculator accounts for specific gravity to provide both volume and weight results.

      For precise laboratory work, w/w is preferred because it is not affected by temperature-related volume changes. For general industrial use, v/v is more practical.

      This calculator defaults to how each chemical is sold. Acids, bases, peroxide and bleach are sold as % by weight, so they open in w/w; alcohols, acetone, MEK and glycols open in v/v. Solids such as oxalic acid and TSP are weighed (% w/v). You can switch with the v/v Volume / w/w Weight toggle if your SOP says otherwise.

      04

      Common Recipes

      Frequently requested dilution ratios and their typical applications, cited to EPA, CDC, USDA, OSHA, and manufacturer guidance.

      Reference Table
      Chemical Common Dilution Typical Use Source
      Hydrogen Peroxide 30% Dilute to 3% General surface cleaning CDC
      Hydrogen Peroxide 30% Dilute to 0.5–1% Garden soil drench Horticultural practice
      Sodium Hypochlorite 12.5% Dilute to 0.5% (5,000 ppm) Surface cleaning, mold cleanup CDC
      Sodium Hypochlorite 12.5% Dilute to 200 ppm (0.02%) Food-contact surfaces (no-rinse limit) FDA
      Isopropyl Alcohol 99% Dilute to 70% Hard, non-porous surfaces (CDC-cited strength) CDC
      Isopropyl Alcohol 99% Dilute to 91% Electronics cleaning (slower evaporation) Manufacturer guidance
      Sulfuric Acid 93% Dilute to 10% pH adjustment, drain cleaning OSHA
      Muriatic / Hydrochloric Acid 31% Dilute to 10:1 water:acid Pool pH adjustment, concrete etching EPA
      Hydrochloric Acid 37% Dilute to 5–10% Masonry cleaning, rust removal OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1000
      Phosphoric Acid 85% Dilute to 10% Rust converter / remover on steel Manufacturer SDS
      Phosphoric Acid 75% Dilute to 25% Stainless steel passivation ASTM
      Acetic Acid 100% (Glacial) Dilute to 5% Household cleaning, descaling USP-NF
      Acetic Acid 100% (Glacial) Dilute to 20% (industrial vinegar) Heavy-duty descaling USDA NOP
      Sodium Hydroxide 50% Dilute to 2–5% CIP cleaning, dairy/food processing Manufacturer SDS
      Sodium Hydroxide 50% Dilute to 10% Degreasing, paint stripping OSHA PEL 2 mg/m³
      Nitric Acid 65% Dilute to 20–30% Stainless steel passivation, etching ASTM A967
      Denatured Alcohol 200 Proof Dilute to 70% Surface cleaning CDC
      Citric Acid 50% Dilute to 4–10% Stainless steel passivation (green alternative) ASTM A967
      Ferric Chloride 40% Dilute to 10–20% PCB etching, water treatment coagulant AWWA B407 standard
      Propylene Glycol 100% Dilute to 30–50% RV/marine antifreeze, HVAC heat transfer ASHRAE HVAC guidance
      Ethylene Glycol 100% Dilute to 50% Automotive coolant (−37 °C protection) ASTM D3306
      Ammonium Hydroxide 28% Dilute to 5–10% Household ammonia cleaner NIOSH REL 25 ppm (OSHA PEL 50 ppm)
      Oxalic Acid (solid) Dissolve to 6–10% w/v Wood bleach, rust removal from wood Manufacturer SDS
      Trisodium Phosphate (TSP, solid) Dissolve to 1–2 Tbsp per gallon Heavy-duty household cleaner, paint prep Manufacturer SDS
      Calcium Hypochlorite (solid) Dissolve to no more than 4 ppm for drinking water (EPA limit); pool shock per your test kit Pool shock, drinking water treatment EPA

      Citations indicate where the dilution guidance originates. Always cross-check against the chemical's Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and your facility's standard operating procedures before preparing a dilution. Concentration ranges reflect typical practice and are not a substitute for site-specific validation.

      05

      Safety

      Critical safety practices when preparing dilutions.

      Always Add Chemical to Water

      1. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) including chemical-resistant gloves, splash goggles, and a lab coat or apron before handling any concentrated chemical.
      2. Measure the required volume of water and pour it into a clean, chemical-compatible container first. Never start with the concentrated chemical.
      3. Slowly add the concentrated chemical to the water while stirring gently. Adding water to concentrated acid (especially sulfuric acid) can cause a violent exothermic reaction, producing dangerous splashing and boiling.
      4. Monitor the temperature of the solution during mixing. Many dilution reactions are exothermic. Allow the mixture to cool between additions if it becomes warm.
      5. Mix in a well-ventilated area or use a fume hood. Many concentrated chemicals release vapors, especially acids and volatile solvents.
      6. Label the diluted solution immediately with the chemical name, concentration, date, and preparer initials. Store in a compatible, properly labeled container.
      7. Verify the final concentration using appropriate testing methods (pH meter, refractometer, titration) before use in critical applications.

      Questions

      How do I dilute hydrogen peroxide from 30% to 3%?
      Use the C1V1 = C2V2 formula. For 1 gallon of 3% solution: V1 = (3% × 1 gal) / 30% = about 0.1 gallons by the simple formula, but because 30% peroxide is sold by weight and is denser than water, the accurate amount is about 0.091 gallons (11.6 fl oz) of 30% H2O2. Put about 0.9 gallons of distilled water in the container, add the peroxide, then top up to 1 gallon. Always add the peroxide to the water, not the reverse.
      What does a 1:10 dilution ratio mean?
      A 1:10 dilution means 1 part chemical concentrate to 10 parts water, for 11 total parts. So for 1 gallon of final solution, you would use about 11.6 fluid ounces of concentrate and 116.4 fluid ounces of water.
      What is the difference between w/w and v/v concentration?
      Weight/weight (w/w) measures concentration as mass of solute per mass of solution. Volume/volume (v/v) measures concentration as volume of solute per volume of solution. For dense chemicals like sulfuric acid (SG 1.84), the difference is significant. For example, 10% v/v sulfuric acid is about 17% by weight. Acids, bases and bleach are sold as % by weight, so this calculator uses w/w for them.
      How do I make 70% isopropyl alcohol from 99%?
      For 1 liter of 70% IPA: V1 = (70% × 1L) / 99% = 0.707 liters of 99% IPA. Add 707 mL of 99% isopropyl alcohol, then add distilled water to bring the total volume to 1 liter. That takes about 320–335 mL of water, not 293 mL, because alcohol and water shrink slightly when mixed. 70% is the strength most guidance cites for surface wipe-downs.
      Can I use tap water for dilutions?
      For most industrial cleaning and general-purpose applications, clean tap water is acceptable. However, for laboratory, pharmaceutical, electronics, or food-grade applications, use deionized (DI) or distilled water. Tap water contains minerals and chlorine that can interfere with chemical reactions, contaminate samples, or leave residue.
      How long does a diluted solution remain effective?
      Shelf life varies significantly by chemical. Diluted hydrogen peroxide degrades within weeks to months, especially in light. Diluted sodium hypochlorite (bleach) loses potency within days to weeks. Diluted acids and bases are generally stable for months if stored in sealed, compatible containers away from light and heat. Always label diluted solutions with the preparation date.
      What is the difference between dilution and dissolution?
      Dilution reduces the concentration of a solution by adding more solvent (typically water) to an existing liquid solution. Dissolution is the process of dissolving a solid, liquid, or gas into a solvent to create a new solution. Adding water to 50% sodium hydroxide solution is dilution. Dissolving solid sodium hydroxide flakes into water is dissolution.