About Cement, Sand & Aggregate Mix Ratio Calculator
Calculate exact proportions of Portland cement, fine sand, coarse gravel, and mixing water. Accounts for dry volume shrinkage factor (1.54) for site-batched concrete and mortar.
Key Capabilities & Features
- Standard nominal ratios: 1:2:3 (high strength), 1:2:4 (standard), 1:3:6 (lean foundation)
- Mortar ratios: 1:3 for brick masonry and 1:4 for wall plastering
- Automatic dry volume shrinkage factor application (1.54 multiplier)
- Cement bag outputs for both 50kg metric bags and 94lb US bags
- Water-to-cement ratio calibration for optimal slump and curing strength
How to Use Cement, Sand & Aggregate Mix Ratio Calculator
Enter Target Volume
Input wet concrete or mortar volume in cubic yards, cubic feet, or cubic meters.
Choose Mix Ratio
Select 1:2:4 for standard structural concrete, 1:2:3 for high strength, or 1:3 for mortar.
Review Batch Takeoff
View precise weights and bags for cement, tons of sand, and tons of gravel.
Privacy & In-Browser Execution Guarantee
100% client-side calculation. Your project measurements never leave your device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does dry concrete volume multiply by 1.54?
When dry cement, sand, and gravel are mixed with water, the fine cement and sand particles fill the void spaces between the gravel, causing approximately 35% volume reduction.
What does a 1:2:4 concrete mix mean?
A 1:2:4 concrete mix means 1 part Portland cement, 2 parts clean sand, and 4 parts coarse aggregate/gravel by volume, achieving roughly 3,000 PSI compressive strength.
How much water should I add to concrete?
The ideal water-cement ratio is approximately 0.45 to 0.50 by weight. Adding excessive water weakens compressive strength and causes surface cracking.