Concrete Mix Ratio Calculator

Calculate the quantities of cement, sand, and aggregate required for plain cement concrete (PCC) based on the concrete grade and dimensions. Supports metric (Meter/CM) and imperial (Feet/Inch) units.

Standard
Step by Step
Chart

Result

Detailed Steps

Material Proportions

Formula

Concrete Mix Ratio Calculation

The volume of concrete is calculated as:

Volume = Length × Width × Depth

Wet volume accounts for 52.4% shrinkage:

Wet Volume = Dry Volume × 1.524

Material quantities are calculated based on the mix ratio (Cement:Sand:Aggregate):

Cement Volume = (Cement Ratio / Total Parts) × Wet Volume
Sand Volume = (Sand Ratio / Total Parts) × Wet Volume
Aggregate Volume = (Aggregate Ratio / Total Parts) × Wet Volume

Additional calculations:

  • Cement Bags = Cement Volume / 0.035 m³
  • Cement Weight = Cement Bags × 50 kg
  • Sand Weight = Sand Volume × 1550 kg/m³
  • Sand Ton = Sand Weight / 1000
  • Aggregate Weight = Aggregate Volume × 1350 kg/m³
  • Aggregate Ton = Aggregate Weight / 1000

Notes:

  • 1 Bag of cement = 0.035 m³, 50 kg.
  • Dry loose bulk density: Sand = 1550 kg/m³, Aggregate = 1350 kg/m³.
  • 1000 kg = 1 Ton.

How to Use the Concrete Mix Ratio Calculator

  1. Select the grade of concrete (M20, M15, M10, or M7.5).
  2. Enter the length, width, and depth in the chosen units (Meter, CM, Feet, or Inch).
  3. Choose your preferred display mode (Standard, Step by Step, or Chart).
  4. Click the “Calculate” button.
  5. View the results, including total volume, wet volume, and material quantities (cement, sand, aggregate). The chart view shows a pie chart of material proportions.

What is PCC (Plain Cement Concrete) Calculation?

Plain Cement Concrete (PCC) is a construction material composed of cement, fine aggregates (sand), coarse aggregates, and water mixed in specified proportions. Also known as Cement Concrete (CC) or Blinding Concrete, PCC serves as a foundational element in construction projects.

PCC primarily provides leveling and bedding for footings, creating stable substrates on soft soil conditions and establishing rigid, impervious bases for Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) structures. Infrastructure applications include grade slabs and concrete road construction, where PCC delivers necessary rigidity and imperviousness for long-term performance.

Installation options include direct placement over prepared subgrade or over brick flat soling for enhanced stability. When combined with boulders, PCC forms lump concrete for cost-effective mass concrete applications. The specified proportioning ensures PCC delivers imperviousness, rigidity, and dimensional stability, making it essential for durable foundation and infrastructure construction requiring non-porous, firm concrete solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How to calculate concrete mixture?

Calculating the concrete mixture involves determining the correct proportions of cement, sand, aggregate, and water needed to achieve the desired strength. For example, the mix ratio for M20 grade concrete is 1:1.5:3, meaning 1 part cement, 1.5 parts sand, and 3 parts aggregate.

Which ratio is best for concrete?

The ideal concrete mix ratio depends on the project’s requirements for strength and durability. For most home building applications, such as foundations and beams, a typical mix ratio is 1:1.5:3 (cement:sand:gravel), which offers a good balance of strength and workability.

What is the difference between M20 and M15 concrete?

M20 concrete has a mix ratio of 1:1.5:3 and a higher compressive strength (20 MPa) compared to M15 (1:2:4, 15 MPa). M20 is used for structural elements like beams and columns, while M15 is suitable for non-structural applications like flooring.

Why is wet volume 52.4% higher than dry volume?

The wet volume is higher due to the addition of water and compaction, which increases the volume of the mix. The 52.4% factor accounts for this shrinkage and ensures accurate material calculations.

How many cement bags are in 1 m³ of concrete?

The number of cement bags depends on the concrete grade. For M20, approximately 8 bags are required per m³ of wet volume, calculated based on the mix ratio and cement volume (0.035 m³ per bag).