What is a serial dilution?

A serial dilution is the stepwise dilution of a substance in a solution. Serial dilutions result in the geometric progression of the concentration in a logarithmic fashion, meaning the concentration decreases by the same quantity in each successive step. When performing a serial dilution remember to:

• Perform steps in order
• Keep the dilution factor (DF) for each step constant

For example, creating a four-fold dilution (DF = 1/4) with a starting concentration of 10 µM yields the following concentrations: 10 µM, 2.5 µM, 0.625 µM, 0.156 µM, 0.039 µM etc.

Video 1. Serial dilution tutorial.

For assistance preparing a serial dilution, see ‘Serial Dilution Calculator.’