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Understand vinegar dilution math
Acetic acid content is expressed as a percentage by volume. A 25% vinegar contains 0.25 liters of pure acetic acid per liter of solution. When you dilute vinegar with water, the total amount of acetic acid stays the same while the overall volume increases, which lowers the percentage. The calculator applies the mass balance equation C1V1 = C2V2 to keep the acetic acid constant.
Step-by-step dilution procedure
- Measure the strength of your source vinegar (C₁) and the desired target strength (C₂).
- Choose whether you know how much concentrate you have (V₁) or how much diluted vinegar you want (V₂).
- Apply the equation V₂ = V₁ × C₁ ÷ C₂ (or rearrange to solve for V₁). The difference V₂ − V₁ is the water you must add.
- Mix thoroughly and label the diluted batch with its new strength and preparation date.
The tool reports the water volume to add, the final batch size, the dilution ratio, and the absolute acetic acid content. These details help with recipe development, cleaning-solution preparation, and laboratory dilutions.
Common vinegar strengths and uses
| Strength | Typical use | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 5% (household) | Cooking, pickling, everyday cleaning | Baseline for many food-safety recipes. |
| 10% | Heavy-duty cleaning, weed control | Often diluted before indoor use to protect surfaces. |
| 25–30% | Commercial descaling, laboratory use | Wear gloves and eye protection; always dilute before household use. |
Frequently asked questions
How do I dilute 30% vinegar to 5%?
Set the calculator to 30% source strength, 5% target strength, and enter the final volume you want. The tool shows how much concentrate and water to combine and the resulting dilution ratio.
Can I increase the acidity of vinegar with this tool?
No. The calculator handles dilutions only. If the target strength is higher than the source vinegar, the tool will warn you that concentration is not possible without evaporation or stronger acid.
What units can I use for vinegar dilution?
You can select liters, milliliters, US cups, or US gallons. The calculator automatically converts the entered volume to perform the dilution math and reports the results in the same unit.
Does the dilution change the amount of acetic acid present?
No. Dilution only adds water. The total acetic acid stays constant; the calculator reports both the absolute acid volume and the percentage after dilution.
Is diluted vinegar safe for cleaning and food use?
Household cleaning typically uses 4–6% acidity, while pickling recipes often call for at least 5% vinegar. Always follow safety guidelines and label any diluted solutions clearly.