The equation
Formula and assumptions
M = n / V · C₁V₁ = C₂V₂
Molarity uses moles per liter. Dilution volumes may use any unit, provided V₁ and V₂ use the same one.
Worked examples
See the method in practice
01
Molarity example
0.50 mol dissolved to make 2.00 L produces a 0.25 M solution.
02
Dilution example
25 mL of 2.0 M stock diluted to 0.50 M requires a final volume of 100 mL.
Questions
Frequently asked
Is molarity the same as moles?
No. Molarity is the amount in moles divided by the total solution volume in liters.
Does C₁V₁ = C₂V₂ work for reactions?
It describes dilution without changing solute amount; it is not a general reaction-stoichiometry equation.
Sources & review
Equations and examples are checked against the references below. Results are educational and should be independently verified for safety-critical work.
IUPAC Gold Book — amount concentrationWritten by the STEM Hub editorial team · Reviewed August 11, 2026 · Review methodology