How to make a 1% solution in water?

Preparing a 1% Aqueous Solution

Creating a 1% solution in water is a fundamental skill in both professional laboratories and everyday DIY projects. At its core, a 1% solution represents a specific ratio: 1 gram of a solid solute dissolved in a final volume of 100 milliliters of water. This weight-to-volume measurement ($w/v$) relies on a convenient rule of thumb—one gram of pure water occupies exactly one milliliter of volume.

To prepare this accurately, always begin by weighing out your solid ingredient. For instance, if you want to make a standard saline solution, you would measure exactly 1 gram of sodium chloride (table salt) using a digital scale. Next, place the salt into a clean graduated cylinder or measuring beaker.

The trick to precision lies in how you add the liquid. Instead of simply pouring 100 ml of water directly onto the salt—which might cause the final volume to overshoot due to the displacement caused by the solid—you should add a slightly smaller amount first. Pour in about 80 ml of distilled water and stir or swirl the mixture thoroughly until the solid particles completely dissolve. Once the solution is clear, carefully add enough remaining water to bring the bottom of the meniscus precisely up to the 100 ml mark. This ensures your final volume is exact, giving you a perfect 1% solution.