Using a Burette

A buret is a precise laboratory instrument used to deliver measured volumes of liquid. By reading the initial and final liquid levels, the exact volume dispensed can be calculated to a high degree of accuracy.

1. Rinse the burette 2–3 times with the liquid you intend to use, rotating it to coat all interior surfaces; drain through the stopcock into waste.
2. Clamp the burette securely to a ring stand using a burette clamp.
3. Fill the burette with the liquid; note the starting volume (not necessarily at 0.00 ml). Use a sheet of white paper behind the burette to aid reading.
4. Open the stopcock slowly to allow the liquid to drain into the receiving vessel.
5. Once the desired amount is dispensed, close the stopcock and touch the burette tip to the vessel wall to remove any drops.
6. Record the final burette reading.
7. Calculate the delivered volume by subtracting the initial reading from the final reading. Example: 24.34 ml – 21.36 ml = 2.98 ml delivered.
8. Drain any remaining liquid and rinse the burette with water before storage.

How to use a burette - ISU Gen Chem Lab Tutorials:

How to Use a Buret - Supreme Science:

📄 Using a Buret - Harper College: https://dept.harpercollege.edu/chemistry/chm/100/dgodambe/thedisk/labtech/burtech.htm

• Use different sizes of burets (5 ml, 25 ml, 50 ml, 100 ml) depending on the accuracy required.

• Always wear safety goggles and a lab coat when handling chemicals.
• Ensure the burette is securely clamped to prevent tipping or spilling.
• Dispose of waste liquids properly; never return them to stock bottles.
• Rinse thoroughly with water after use to prevent chemical residue buildup.

• Why is it important to rinse the burette with the solution to be used rather than water? (It prevents dilution of the solution and ensures accuracy.)
• Why are burette markings reversed compared to a graduated cylinder? (Burets measure the amount delivered, so volume decreases as liquid is dispensed.)
• How do you minimize reading errors when recording burette volumes? (Use a white background, read at eye level at the bottom of the meniscus, and avoid parallax error.)