Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were prepared by a chemical reduction method in an aqueous solution of silver nitrate and sodium borohydride as a reducing agent in the presence of polyvinylpyrrolidone as a stabiliser. The effect of silver salt concentration on the synthesis and properties of AgNPs was investigated. The nanosized silver colloids have been characterised by using scanning electron microscopy and atomic absorption spectrometry. The optical properties of the silver nanoparticles were studied through UV–vis spectroscopy and Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Dynamic light scattering measurement using Zetasizer nano ZS was applied for the size estimation of AgNPs. The results confirmed that silver nanoparticles were formed in each sample independently of silver salt content; however, silver nitrate concentration had a significant influence on silver nanoparticles morphology and other properties. The absorption intensity, the band of the FTIR spectra intensity increases with an increase of silver nitrate concentration. Also, the shape and size of particles depends on the silver nitrate concentration.