What does 1.5 fold dilution and 2.5 fold dilution mean?

http://www.fao.org/docrep/005/ac802e/ac802e0q.htm

In the context of dilution, "fold" refers to the ratio of the final volume of a solution to the initial volume. A 1.5-fold dilution means that the final volume of the diluted solution is 1.5 times the initial volume, while a 2.5-fold dilution means that the final volume is 2.5 times the initial volume.

To understand how to perform these dilutions, consider the following:

1. 1.5-fold dilution:
- Start with an initial volume of your solution, e.g., 10 mL.
- Multiply this initial volume by the fold factor (1.5): 10 mL x 1.5 = 15 mL.
- Add enough diluent (e.g., water or buffer) to bring the total volume up to the final volume (in this case, 15 mL).
- This gives you a 1.5-fold diluted solution.

2. 2.5-fold dilution:
- Follow the same steps as above, but this time multiply the initial volume (e.g., 10 mL) by the fold factor of 2.5: 10 mL x 2.5 = 25 mL.
- Add enough diluent to reach the final volume (25 mL).
- This results in a 2.5-fold diluted solution.

Remember, when performing dilutions, accuracy in measuring volumes is essential, as even slight errors can impact the concentration of the final solution.