Funnel: Uses and How to Use It
Funnel: Uses and How to Use It
A laboratory funnel is a cone with a stem, used to transfer liquids or powders into narrow-necked containers and to filter mixtures through filter paper.
What is a funnel used for?
- Transferring liquids into volumetric flasks, burettes or narrow-necked bottles.
- Filtering precipitates from solutions with filter paper.
- Adding powders to flasks without spilling (wide-stem powder funnel).
Parts of a funnel
- 1Cone – about 60° so folded filter paper fits
- 2Stem – long for filtration, short for powders
How to use a funnel
Fold filter paper into a cone
Fold a round filter paper in half (1) and in half again (2). Open it so one side has three layers and the other one layer (3), and tear a small corner off the outer fold so it seals well.
Wet the paper and pour along a glass rod
Mount the funnel in a ring or clamp, wet the paper with a little solvent so it sticks. Pour the mixture down a glass rod (1) and touch the stem tip against the wall of the receiver (2) so the flow is smooth and does not splash.
Keep the liquid below the paper rim
Fill the funnel to about 1 cm below the rim of the filter paper. Liquid above the rim runs between paper and glass without being filtered.
Common mistakes
- Filling above the rim of the filter paper: precipitate gets through.
- Fitting the funnel airtight into the flask neck: trapped air stops the flow.
Care and safety
- Wash right after use, especially after filtering precipitates that dry hard.
- Store hanging or in a funnel rack so the stem does not break.
SOP for using a funnel
A summary of the standard operating procedure (SOP) for a funnel that your laboratory can adapt. Each step is explained in the how-to section above.
1Protective equipment
- A buttoned, long-sleeved lab coat.
- Safety glasses; goggles where corrosive splashes are possible.
- Nitrile gloves suited to the chemicals handled; heat-resistant gloves for hot items.
2Before use
- Check for cracks, chips and deep scratches. Do not use damaged glassware; set it aside and discard it in the broken-glass bin.
- Make sure it is clean and dry, or rinsed with the solution to be used.
- Read the SDS of every chemical you will handle.
- Have filter paper sized to the funnel.
3Procedure
4After use
- Discard filter paper and residue into the correct waste.
- Wash the funnel, rinse with distilled water and dry on a rack.
5Verification & calibration
- A funnel is not a measuring device and is not calibrated.
6Emergencies
- Breakage: never pick up shards by hand. Use a brush and dustpan or tongs and put them in the broken-glass bin.
- Chemical spill: warn people nearby, secure the area and clean up with a spill kit according to the SDS.
- Chemical on skin or in eyes: rinse with running water for at least 15 minutes (eyewash or safety shower), then report to the lab supervisor.
A print-ready version with purpose, scope, illustrated procedure, verification and sign-off boxes. Fill in your own document number and effective date.
Download the SOP (PDF, A4)Types and sizes
Glass or PP funnels range from 35 to 150 mm in diameter. Besides plain funnels there are long-stem analytical funnels, powder funnels, Buchner funnels for vacuum filtration and separating funnels for immiscible liquids.
Funnel at AMI Scientific
Examples of funnel available in our store. Prices exclude VAT.
Corong Plastik PP AS ONE 6-316From Rp23.000
Corong Tangkai Pendek Normax PA 31 351 30EFrom Rp72.000
Corong Tetes Keran Kaca 50 ml Iwaki PA 6380FSFrom Rp540.000
Corong Buchner Penyaring Kaca Iwaki PA 36060FNL3From Rp595.000
AMI Scientific supplies laboratory glassware, instruments and chemicals with tax invoices and delivery across Indonesia.
Frequently asked questions
How do you fold filter paper?
Fold it in half, then in half again, and open it into a cone with three layers on one side and one on the other.
What is the difference between a funnel and a Buchner funnel?
A plain funnel filters by gravity. A Buchner funnel has a perforated plate and works with a vacuum pump for faster filtration.
Related equipment
Compiled by the AMI Scientific team from standard laboratory practice. Illustrations: AMI Scientific. Updated: 06-11-2026.
Need a funnel for your laboratory?
AMI Scientific supplies laboratory glassware, instruments and chemicals with tax invoices and delivery across Indonesia.
Available at AMI Scientific
Corong Plastik PP AS ONE 6-316
From Rp23.000