Decimal Scale
The decimal scale is a potency scale in which each step of potentization uses a 1:10 dilution ratio followed by succussion. It is denoted by X in American and British usage (from the Roman numeral for ten) or D in European practice (from the German Dezimal). A 6X or 6D remedy has undergone six cycles of 1:10 dilution with succussion.
In Practice
Decimal potencies are most commonly encountered in combination remedies, biochemic tissue salts (the Schussler salts), and over-the-counter homeopathic products. The tissue salt tradition — using twelve mineral preparations such as Calcarea Fluorica 6X or Ferrum Phosphoricum 6X — relies almost exclusively on the decimal scale.
Because each dilution step is less extensive than on the centesimal scale (1:10 versus 1:100), low decimal potencies retain more measurable material substance than their centesimal equivalents at similar step counts. A 6X preparation has undergone six tenfold dilutions, while a 6C has undergone six hundredfold dilutions — the material concentration in the 6X is considerably higher.
In classical homeopathic prescribing, the decimal scale is used less frequently than the centesimal or LM scales. Most classical practitioners work primarily with centesimal potencies for both acute and chronic cases. However, decimal potencies remain an important part of homeopathic pharmacy overall, particularly in Germany and other European countries where the D notation is standard and the biochemic tissue salt tradition is strong.
Some practitioners value low decimal potencies (3X, 6X) as a gentle starting point for patients who are highly sensitive or for functional complaints where a more material dose is appropriate.
Related Terms
- Potency — the level of preparation expressed as a number on a given scale
- Centesimal Scale — the more widely used scale with a 1:100 dilution ratio
- Potentization — the combined process of dilution and succussion at each step
Learn More
- Potency Guide — how practitioners choose between scales and potencies