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.