Serial Dilution Planner

Generate step-by-step protocols for serial dilutions with precise volume calculations for your lab experiments.

Calculation Method

Dilution Factor Method
Concentration Range Method

Basic Parameters

Dilution Factor Settings

Solution Names

Dilution Series

Tube #ConcentrationStock VolumeDiluent VolumeTotal VolumeDilution from Stock
1 1000 μM 100.0 μL 0 μL 100.0 μL 1:1.000
2 500.0 μM 50.00 μL 50.00 μL 100.0 μL 1:2.000
3 250.0 μM 50.00 μL 50.00 μL 100.0 μL 1:4.000
4 125.0 μM 50.00 μL 50.00 μL 100.0 μL 1:8.000
5 62.50 μM 50.00 μL 50.00 μL 100.0 μL 1:16.00
6 31.25 μM 50.00 μL 50.00 μL 100.0 μL 1:32.00
7 15.63 μM 50.00 μL 50.00 μL 100.0 μL 1:64.00
8 7.813 μM 50.00 μL 50.00 μL 100.0 μL 1:128.0

Step-by-Step Protocol

SERIAL DILUTION PROTOCOL ======================================== Materials Needed: • Stock Solution (1000 μM) • Buffer • 8 tubes/wells • Pipettes and tips Step-by-Step Instructions: 1. Label 8 tubes as #1 through #8 2. Prepare tubes: • Add 50.00 μL of Buffer to Tubes #2-8 • Add 100.0 μL of Stock Solution to Tube #1 → Concentration: 1000 μM 3. Serial dilution steps: Step 1: Transfer 50.00 μL from Tube #1 to Tube #2 → Mix thoroughly by pipetting up and down → Tube #2 concentration: 500.0 μM Step 2: Transfer 50.00 μL from Tube #2 to Tube #3 → Mix thoroughly by pipetting up and down → Tube #3 concentration: 250.0 μM Step 3: Transfer 50.00 μL from Tube #3 to Tube #4 → Mix thoroughly by pipetting up and down → Tube #4 concentration: 125.0 μM Step 4: Transfer 50.00 μL from Tube #4 to Tube #5 → Mix thoroughly by pipetting up and down → Tube #5 concentration: 62.50 μM Step 5: Transfer 50.00 μL from Tube #5 to Tube #6 → Mix thoroughly by pipetting up and down → Tube #6 concentration: 31.25 μM Step 6: Transfer 50.00 μL from Tube #6 to Tube #7 → Mix thoroughly by pipetting up and down → Tube #7 concentration: 15.63 μM Step 7: Transfer 50.00 μL from Tube #7 to Tube #8 → Mix thoroughly by pipetting up and down → Tube #8 concentration: 7.813 μM 4. Optional: Discard 50.00 μL from the last tube to equalize volumes across all tubes Quality Control: • Mix each tube thoroughly (vortex or pipette up/down) • Change tips between transfers • Store appropriately based on solution stability Notes: • Total volume per tube: 100.0 μL • Concentration range: 1000 to 7.813 μM • Dilution range: 1:1 to 1:128.0

What is Serial Dilution?

Serial dilution is a systematic method of reducing concentration by the same dilution factor in each step. It's essential for creating standard curves, determining optimal concentrations, and preparing samples for various assays.

How to Use This Planner

  1. Enter your stock concentration and units
  2. Choose dilution factor or concentration range method
  3. Set the number of dilutions needed
  4. Specify final volume per tube/well
  5. Get step-by-step protocol with exact volumes

Common Applications

  • ELISA standard curves
  • qPCR/RT-PCR standards
  • MIC (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration) assays
  • Protein quantification standards
  • Cell culture drug dilutions
  • Antibody titration

Dilution Factor Guide

  • 2-fold: Most common, good resolution
  • 3-fold: Wider range, fewer points
  • 5-fold: Quick screening
  • 10-fold: Very wide range, log scale

Tips for Accuracy

  • Mix thoroughly between dilutions
  • Use fresh pipette tips for each transfer
  • Pre-wet tips with solution before transfer
  • Work quickly to minimize evaporation
  • Label tubes clearly before starting

FAQ

Q: What's the difference between serial and parallel dilution?
A: Serial dilution uses each dilution as the source for the next, while parallel dilution makes all dilutions directly from the stock.

Q: How many dilutions should I make?
A: Typically 5-8 points cover a good range. Use more for wider concentration ranges or better curve fitting.