Product labels give dilution as a ratio: 1:10 means 1 part concentrate to 10 parts water, making 11 parts in total. (Some labels use 1:10 to mean 1 part in 10 total – check if the label says “make up to”.) Mixing too strong wastes product and can damage surfaces; too weak may not work.
How to use the Dilution Ratio Calculator
- Ratio 1 :
- Final volume
- Every result field is editable: type into Concentrate and Final volume plus every other field update to match.
Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.
How it works
Enter the ratio (1 : n) and the final amount you want to make. Type a concentrate amount into the result to find how much solution it makes.
Tips
- Use the figures from your own bills and product labels – prices and appliance ratings vary widely.
- Look at yearly totals: small daily costs add up and make it easier to compare options.
- Round quantities up to whole packs, rolls or bulbs when you shop.
- Re-check the numbers when prices change; most results scale directly with the unit price.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Confusing watts (power) with watt-hours or kilowatt-hours (energy).
- Comparing prices without bringing them to the same unit first.
- Ignoring one-off costs such as installation, delivery or replacement parts.
Inputs explained
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Ratio 1 : | A number |
| Final volume | Units: mL, fl oz, L, US gal |
What each result means
- Concentrate = [Final volume]÷(1 + [Ratio 1 :])
- Water = [Final volume] – [Concentrate]
- Concentration = 100÷(1 + [Ratio 1 :])
Example values
How the main result changes when Final volume changes and everything else stays at the example values above:
| Final volume (mL) | Concentrate (mL) |
|---|---|
| 500 | 45.45 |
| 750 | 68.18 |
| 1,000 | 90.91 |
| 1,250 | 113.64 |
| 1,500 | 136.36 |
| 2,000 | 181.82 |
Formula
Concentrate = final volume ÷ (1 + n) for a 1 : n ratioWater = concentrate × n = final volume − concentrateWorked example
Inputs — Ratio 1 :: 10; Final volume: 1,000 mL.
Results — Concentrate = 90.91 mL; Water = 909.09 mL; Concentration = 9.09 %.
Frequently asked questions
What does 1:10 dilution mean?
1 part product to 10 parts water: for 1 litre of solution, about 91 mL concentrate and 909 mL water.
How do I make a 1:32 dilution in a 32 oz bottle?
About 1 oz concentrate and 31 oz water.
Is 1:4 the same as 25%?
Not quite – 1:4 is 1 part in 5 total, which is 20%.
What formula does the Dilution Ratio Calculator use?
Concentrate = final volume ÷ (1 + n) for a 1 : n ratio.