Volumetric Flask: Uses and How to Use It
Volumetric Flask: Uses and How to Use It
A volumetric flask is a long-necked glass flask with a single calibration mark that indicates one volume very accurately, e.g. exactly 100.0 mL at 20 °C. It is used to prepare standard solutions and to dilute solutions to an exact concentration.
What is a volumetric flask used for?
- Preparing standard solutions of exact concentration (e.g. 0.1 M NaOH).
- Diluting concentrated solutions to an exact final volume.
- Preparing calibration standards for spectrophotometry.
Parts of a volumetric flask
- 1Stopper – glass or plastic, must fit the neck
- 2Long neck – narrow, so the volume reads precisely
- 3Calibration mark – exact volume when the meniscus bottom touches it
- 4Round body with flat bottom – marked with volume, calibration temperature and class
How to use a volumetric flask
Dissolve first, transfer with a funnel
Dissolve the solid in a beaker with a little solvent (1). Transfer it into the flask through a funnel (2), rinsing the beaker and funnel several times into the flask.
Make up to the mark
Add solvent until close to the neck, then use a dropper until the bottom of the meniscus just touches the mark. Read with your eye level with the mark.
Stopper and invert to mix
Insert the stopper, hold it with one hand and the base with the other, and invert the flask repeatedly (about 10–15 times) until the solution is uniform.
Never heat it
Never heat a volumetric flask or fill it with hot solution: the glass volume changes and the calibration no longer holds. Cool solutions to room temperature before making up to the mark.
Common mistakes
- Overshooting the mark and pouring some out: the concentration is wrong. Start again.
- Storing strong alkali in a glass flask for long periods: the stopper can seize.
Care and safety
- Rinse with distilled water right after use; do not dry in a hot oven.
- Store with the stopper loosely fitted with a strip of paper to prevent sticking.
Types and sizes
Common sizes are 10, 25, 50, 100, 250, 500, 1000 and 2000 mL. Class A is for quantitative analysis (tight tolerance, often batch-certified), class B for routine work. Amber flasks are used for light-sensitive solutions.
Volumetric Flask at AMI Scientific
Examples of volumetric flask available in our store. Prices exclude VAT.
Labu Ukur Kelas A Tutup Plastik Iwaki PA 5645From Rp135.000
Labu Ukur Kelas A Tutup Kaca Iwaki PA 5640From Rp158.000
Labu Ukur Kelas A Leher Lebar Tutup Kaca Iwaki PA 5640From Rp218.000
Labu Ukur Kelas A Amber Tutup Plastik Iwaki PA 55645From Rp271.000
AMI Scientific supplies laboratory glassware, instruments and chemicals with tax invoices and delivery across Indonesia.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a volumetric flask and an Erlenmeyer flask?
A volumetric flask measures one volume very accurately and must not be heated; an Erlenmeyer is for mixing, heating and titrating, with only approximate marks.
How do you make a solution in a volumetric flask?
Dissolve the substance in a beaker, transfer it to the flask, make up to the mark, then stopper and invert until uniform. Calculate the mass with a molarity calculator.
Related equipment
Compiled by the AMI Scientific team from standard laboratory practice. Illustrations: AMI Scientific. Updated: 06-11-2026.
Need a volumetric flask for your laboratory?
AMI Scientific supplies laboratory glassware, instruments and chemicals with tax invoices and delivery across Indonesia.
Available at AMI Scientific
Labu Ukur Kelas A Tutup Plastik Iwaki PA 5645
From Rp135.000