Alligation Calculator
Disclaimer: All calculators in the Textile Calculator have been reviewed by the relevant textile industry experts.
Alligation Formula
The alligation rule is used to find the mean concentration (or cost, etc.) when mixing two components of different concentrations. To calculate the ratio between two solutions with different concentrations:
Ratio of Solution 1 to Solution 2 = (C2 − M) : (M − C1)
Where:
- C1 = Concentration of the first solution
- C2 = Concentration of the second solution
- M = Desired final concentration
To find how much of each solution is needed for a total quantity:
Quantity of Solution 1 = ((C2 − M) / (C2 − C1)) × Total Quantity
Quantity of Solution 2 = Total Quantity − Quantity of Solution 1
Table of Contents
What is the Alligation Method?
The alligation method helps people find the ratio between two components with different concentrations. Many industries use this method. Textile manufacturing also uses this when blending dyes, chemicals, or fiber types.
For example, when a dye master wants to mix two chemical solutions with different strengths to get a specific result, the alligation method gives the required amount of each solution.

Why Textile Engineers Use the Alligation Method
Textile engineers mix different solutions daily. They mix chemicals for dyeing, washing, or fabric softening. If one solution is 20% strong and another is 60%, and the target is 40%, the engineer must calculate how much of each solution to use. This is where the alligation calculator helps.
Engineers use this calculator in both manual and automated processes. It helps maintain color consistency and reduces waste.
How the Alligation Formula Works
The alligation formula helps people find the correct ratio between two solutions with different concentrations. The formula compares how far each solution is from the desired concentration.
Here is the formula in plain words:
Q2 / Q1 = (M − C1) / (C2 − M)
Where:
- C1 is the concentration of the first solution
- C2 is the concentration of the second solution
- M is the desired or target concentration
- Q1 is the quantity of the first solution
- Q2 is the quantity of the second solution
The calculator then uses another formula to find the actual amount of each solution when the total quantity is known.
Q1 = (C2 − M) / (C2 − C1) × Total Quantity
Q2 = Total Quantity − Q1
Let’s say the total amount of the mixed solution is 100 liters. This total is called QT in the formula.
Example in Textile Use
Let’s say a textile engineer wants to make 100 liters of a chemical solution with 40% concentration. The available solutions are 20% and 60%. The calculator uses the formula and gives the exact amount of each.
- C1 = 20%
- C2 = 60%
- M = 40%
- QT = 100 liters
So,
Q1 = (60 – 40) / (60 – 20) × 100 = 50 liters of 20%
Q2 = 100 – 50 = 50 liters of 60%
This mix gives the correct 40% concentration.
Benefits of Using an Alligation Calculator
Saves Time in Daily Production
Textile factories run on tight schedules. Workers and engineers do not have time to run long calculations. The alligation calculator gives results instantly. This saves time and boosts productivity.
Reduces Chemical Wastage
Wrong mixing leads to waste. The calculator gives the right ratio the first time. This keeps chemicals from being thrown away. That reduces cost and environmental impact.
Ensures Color Consistency
In dyeing, consistency matters. One wrong mix may change the color of the fabric. The alligation calculator helps maintain exact chemical levels for each dye batch.
Easy for Workers at All Levels
Not every worker is an expert. But all workers can use the calculator. They only need to enter the values and press the calculate button.
How to Use the Alligation Calculator
Step 1: Enter Concentration Values
Enter the percentage of the first and second solution. For example, 20 and 60.
Step 2: Enter Desired Concentration
This is the strength you want to achieve. For example, 40%.
Step 3: Enter Total Quantity
Enter the total amount of solution you want to make. For example, 100 liters.
Step 4: Click Calculate
The calculator gives you the required quantity of each solution.
Step 5: Mix Accordingly
Use the calculated values in your chemical mix.
Where It Is Used in Textile Manufacturing
Dyeing Units
Alligation is mostly used in dyeing sections. Engineers use it to prepare exact dye solutions for cotton, polyester, or blended fabrics.
Wet Processing Labs
In wet processing labs, trial runs use this calculator to test dye samples.
Fiber Blending
It is also used to calculate the mixing ratio between two fibers with different properties, such as staple length or moisture regain.
Cost Planning
Some planners use this method to calculate the average cost per unit when mixing expensive and cheaper chemicals.
Final Thoughts
The alligation calculator is a helpful tool in textile production. It helps engineers and workers make quick, accurate chemical mixes. This saves time, keeps quality high, and cuts waste. The calculator supports daily decisions in factories, labs, and dyeing plants.
Use the calculator anytime you need to mix two solutions and reach a specific concentration. Just input the known values, and the tool gives you the right mix. This is one small tool with a big role in textile manufacturing.