How would you make a 1 in 4 dilution of a stock solution?

See the two Related Questions to the left for complete instructions on how to make any solution of any concentrations.

To make a 1 in 4 dilution, it is best is to use a graduated cylinder. Measure out 3 parts water and add to that 1 part stock solution, which gives a total of 4 parts.

For instance, if you measure out 30 mL of water, and then add 10 mL of stock solution to that, you will have a total of 40 mL solution, 1/4 the concentration of the original stock solution. (Or, equivalently if you need more than this, measure out 150 mL of water and add 50 mL of stock solution to give a total of 200 mL of the diluted solution).

If you don't have a graduated cylinder, you'll need two containers: one small and one much larger. Fill the small one completely with water, and then pour that into a new (larger) container. Do that two more times (for a total of 3). Then fill the smaller container with stock solution, and add the water.

When diluting acids and bases, it is extremely important to add the acid/base to water, and not the other way around!

If you want to do a dilution with different numbers, just change the numbers accordingly. For example, if you want a 2 in 5 dilution, add 3 parts water to 2 parts stock solution. When it says "2 in 5" that means two parts stock solution to 5 total parts, so that leaves 3 parts water!