Dilution factor
The dilution factor (DF) refers to the ratio of the volume of the initial (concentrated) solution to the volume of the final (dilute) solution, that is V1 : V2.
A dilution factor can be calculated by dividing the final volume by the initial volume.
DF = V2 / V1
where
- V1 : Initial volume
- V2 : Final volume
Work example
Your friend diluted 100 mL of concentrated orange juice with 400 mL water. What is the dilution factor?
DF = V2 / V1
= (100 mL + 400 mL)/ 100 mL
= 5
That means your friend's diluted orange juice is 5 times less concentrated than the concentrated one.