1. Definition of Dilution Factor
Dilution Factor (DF) describes how much a solution has been diluted. It is the ratio of the final total volume of the solution to the original sample volume. It tells you how many times the original sample has been “spread out” in the new solution.

2. Formula

DF = \frac{\text{Total Volume}}{\text{Sample Volume}}

3. Simple Examples

• Example 1:
  You take 1 mL of sample and add 9 mL of water

  • Total volume = 10 mL

  • DF = 10 / 1 = 10
    👉 This is a 1:10 dilution

• Example 2:
  You take 2 mL of sample and add 8 mL of diluent

  • Total volume = 10 mL

  • DF = 10 / 2 = 5
    👉 This is a 1:5 dilution

• Example 3:
  You take 0.5 mL of sample and add 4.5 mL of diluent

  • Total volume = 5 mL

  • DF = 5 / 0.5 = 10
    👉 This is also a 1:10 dilution

Key Point:
A higher dilution factor means a more diluted (weaker) solution