Sales & Enquiries
BROCHURE & GALLERY
Sales & Enquiries
BROCHURE & GALLERY
Use this free dilution ratio calculator to work out exactly how much chemical concentrate and water you need for any target volume. Enter your dilution ratio and total volume below – the calculator handles the rest, giving you precise measurements in litres or ml. You can also download a branded PDF summary to print or share with your team.
If you’re sourcing cleaning chemicals, it’s worth knowing that our cleaning products can be diluted at ratios of up to 1:400 – often at the same price competitors sell a 1:40 product. That’s ten times the chemical for the same outlay. Get in touch and we’ll send samples out with no strings attached.
Calculate how much chemical and water you need. You can also print or download a branded PDF summary with your notes included.
Select your dilution ratio from the dropdown – for example, 1:10 means one part chemical to ten parts water. Enter your target volume in either litres or ml, then read off how much concentrate and water you need. For reference, the calculator also shows the equivalent pump doses using a 4ml and 30ml pump.
Once you’ve filled in your notes, hit Download PDF to save or print a labelled summary – useful for training records, COSHH documentation, or sharing with cleaning staff.
A dilution ratio tells you how many parts of water to add for every one part of chemical concentrate. A ratio of 1:10, for example, means one part concentrate mixed with ten parts water – giving you eleven parts of solution in total.
The ratio you need depends on the application. General-purpose surface cleaning typically uses ratios between 1:10 and 1:40. Heavily soiled areas or high-risk environments may require a stronger mix. Sanitisation and disinfection products often have specific ratios set by the manufacturer that must be followed for the product to be effective – and to comply with COSHH regulations.
Getting the ratio right matters in both directions. Too weak and the product won’t perform. Too strong and you’re wasting chemical, potentially damaging surfaces, and risking harm to staff.
1:5 — One part chemical to five parts water. A relatively strong solution, typically used for heavy-duty degreasing or deep cleaning.
1:10 — One part chemical to ten parts water. Common for general degreasing and kitchen surface cleaning.
1:20 — One part chemical to twenty parts water. A mid-range dilution suitable for regular floor and surface cleaning in commercial environments.
1:40 — One part chemical to forty parts water. Standard for light daily cleaning tasks in lower-risk areas.
1:100 — One part chemical to one hundred parts water. Used for light sanitisation or products with a high active concentration.
1:400 — One part chemical to four hundred parts water. High-concentration products only. Safety Direct Group’s cleaning range includes products designed to work effectively at this dilution — dramatically reducing cost-per-use versus lower-concentration alternatives.
How do I calculate a dilution ratio?
Divide your total target volume by the sum of the ratio parts. For a 1:10 dilution into 1 litre total: divide 1000ml by 11 — giving approximately 91ml of concentrate and 909ml of water. This calculator does that working for you automatically across any ratio and volume.
What is the difference between 1:10 and 1 in 10 dilution?
They mean the same thing. “1:10” and “1 in 10” both describe a solution of one part concentrate to ten parts water. The notation varies between manufacturers and industries but the ratio is identical.
Can I use this calculator for any liquid, or just cleaning chemicals?
The maths is universal — this liquid ratio calculator will give you accurate measurements for any liquid diluted in water, regardless of the product type. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommended ratio for the specific product you’re using.
How do I convert a dilution ratio into a percentage?
Divide 1 by the total number of parts. For a 1:10 ratio: 1 ÷ 11 = 0.0909, or approximately 9.1% concentrate. For a 1:100 ratio: 1 ÷ 101 = approximately 0.99%.
What dilution ratio should I use for floor cleaning?
This depends on the product and the level of soiling. Most commercial floor cleaning products recommend between 1:20 and 1:40 for routine cleaning. Refer to the product’s COSHH data sheet for the manufacturer’s recommended application ratio.
What does 1:400 dilution mean in practice?
It means one part concentrate mixed with 400 parts water. To make 10 litres of solution at 1:400, you’d use approximately 25ml of concentrate and top up to 10 litres with water. Products that perform at this concentration offer significant cost savings over lower-concentration alternatives — a 5-litre container at 1:400 makes 2,000 litres of ready-to-use solution.
Does the calculator work in both litres and ml?
Yes. Toggle between litres and ml using the unit selector before entering your target volume. The output adjusts automatically.
Safety Direct Group supplies a range of professional cleaning and maintenance chemicals designed for commercial use – many of which work at high dilution ratios of 1:100 to 1:400, making them significantly more cost-effective than standard commercial alternatives.
Browse our cleaning and maintenance supplies or get in touch to request samples.