How the Dilution Mass-to-Volume Calculator Works
The Dilution Mass-to-Volume Calculator works out how much concentrate and water make a target-strength solution, then converts each mass into liters. The default 1.02 kg/L fits a weak salt or chemical solution.
Set the target
Choose final mass and target concentration, such as 100 kg at 5%.
Work out the stock mass
Stock mass = final mass × target % ÷ stock %.
Convert to liters
Enter the stock mass and stock density to get stock liters.
Find water and final volume
Water = final mass − stock mass; final volume = final mass ÷ final density.
Dilution Mass-to-Volume Calculator Formula
The mass-based dilution formula is m1 × w1 = m2 × w2. Densities then turn each mass into a volume.
- w
- Concentration as mass fraction
- ρstock, ρfinal
- Stock and final solution densities, kg/L
Worked Examples
- 100 kg of 5% brine from 26% brine: stock = 100 × 5 ÷ 26 = 19.23 kg ÷ 1.1972 = 16.06 L.
- Water to add: 100 − 19.23 = 80.77 kg (80.77 L).
- Final volume: 100 kg ÷ 1.034 = 96.71 L.
Dilution Mass-to-Volume Calculator Conversion Table
Making 100 kg of 5% salt brine takes 19.23 kg (16.06 L) of saturated 26% brine. The table plans 100 kg batches at 6 target strengths.
| Target NaCl | Stock 26% Brine (kg) | Stock (L) | Water (L) | Final Density (kg/L) | Final Volume (L) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1% | 3.85 | 3.21 | 96.33 | 1.0053 | 99.47 |
| 2% | 7.69 | 6.43 | 92.47 | 1.0125 | 98.77 |
| 5% | 19.23 | 16.06 | 80.91 | 1.0340 | 96.71 |
| 10% | 38.46 | 32.13 | 61.65 | 1.0707 | 93.40 |
| 15% | 57.69 | 48.19 | 42.38 | 1.1085 | 90.21 |
| 20% | 76.92 | 64.25 | 23.12 | 1.1478 | 87.12 |
Saturated brine stock = 26% NaCl at 1.1972 kg/L, 20°C. Water density 0.9982 kg/L.
What is a Dilution Mass-to-Volume Calculator?
A Dilution Mass-to-Volume Calculator is a tool that plans a dilution by mass and converts the concentrate, water and final solution into liters.
The classic C₁V₁ = C₂V₂ rule only holds when concentrations are in mass per volume and volumes add. Working by mass with % w/w avoids the error, then densities give the liters.
Concentrate suppliers sell by weight and quote % w/w. Mixing tanks and dosing pumps work in liters, so both bases appear in every dilution plan.
What are the Uses of a Dilution Mass-to-Volume Calculator?
There are 4 main uses of a Dilution Mass-to-Volume Calculator.
Cleaning chemicals
Sites dilute concentrates to working strength.
Food brines
Picklers make 2–10% brines from saturated stock.
Agricultural sprays
Growers dilute liquid concentrates in sprayer tanks.
Lab standards
Chemists prepare standard solutions by weight.