Dilute 12 M HCl Stock to 1 M for Lab Use
Concentrated hydrochloric acid is 12 M; find how much to use to prepare 1 liter of 1 M HCl using C₁V₁ = C₂V₂.
How to use this tool
- Enter initial concentration c₁, initial volume v₁, final concentration c₂ and final volume v₂ in the fields above.
- Results update instantly as you type — or click Calculate.
- Read your final concentration c₂ and the full breakdown beneath it.
Diluting concentrated acids is a fundamental and safety-critical lab skill; always add acid to water, and use this formula to find the correct volume of stock.
Frequently asked questions
- What does 'solvent to add' mean?
- It is V₂ − V₁: the volume of pure solvent (usually water) you need to add to the stock to reach the target volume and concentration.
- Can C₁V₁ = C₂V₂ be used for concentrating a solution?
- Yes — if you evaporate solvent (V₂ < V₁), C₂ > C₁. The solvent to add will be negative, indicating solvent removed.