Phone:
(701)814-6992
Physical address:
6296 Donnelly Plaza
Ratkeville, Bahamas.
Cement Ratio Calculator
Calculate the required amounts of cement, sand, and aggregate for your concrete mix.
Concrete Mix Details
Required Materials
Cement
0 ft³
0 bags (94lb)
Sand
0 ft³
0 bags (50lb)
Aggregate
0 ft³
(Gravel)
Was this Cement Ratio Calculator helpful?
Your feedback helps us build better tools.
What is a Cement Ratio Calculator?
A Cement Ratio Calculator helps you determine the correct proportions of cement, sand, and aggregate (gravel) needed for a specific concrete mix ratio. Based on the total volume of concrete your project requires, it breaks down the exact amount of each component, ensuring you achieve the desired strength and consistency for your project.
How to Calculate Concrete Mix Ratios
The 3 Core Steps
Follow these simple steps for an accurate material estimates.
1
Determine Total Volume
First, calculate the total volume of concrete needed for your project in cubic yards or cubic feet.
2
Add Up the Ratio Parts
Sum the parts of your mix ratio. For a 1:2:4 ratio, the sum is 1 + 2 + 4 = 7 parts.
3
Calculate Each Material
Divide the total volume by the sum of the parts, then multiply by each individual ratio number.
How to Use the Cement Ratio Calculator
1. Input Volume & Ratio
Enter the total volume of concrete you need and select your desired mix ratio from the dropdown.
2. Click Calculate
Press the "Calculate" button to process your inputs and see the material breakdown.
3. Get Instant Results
Receive an instant estimate of the cement, sand, and aggregate required in both volume and bags.
Key Concrete Ratio Formulas
These are the fundamental formulas our calculator uses to determine the volume of each material.
Sum of Parts = Cement Part + Sand Part + Aggregate Part
Cement Volume = (Total Volume / Sum of Parts) × Cement Part
Sand Volume = (Total Volume / Sum of Parts) × Sand Part
Related Calculators
Why Calculating Mix Ratios Matters
The ratio of cement, sand, and aggregate is the single most important factor determining the strength, durability, and workability of your concrete. An incorrect mix can lead to a weak, crumbly final product that fails under stress. Using the correct ratio ensures your concrete meets the specific strength requirements for your project, from a simple garden path to a structural foundation.
Calculate Your MixFrequently Asked Questions
The numbers represent the ratio by volume of Cement : Sand : Aggregate (gravel). So, a 1:2:4 ratio means for every 1 part of cement, you should use 2 parts of sand and 4 parts of aggregate. These "parts" can be any consistent unit of volume, like a bucket, a shovel-full, or a cubic foot.
A 1:2:4 mix is a common and versatile choice for general projects like patios, sidewalks, and small slabs, typically resulting in a concrete strength of around 3000 PSI. For applications requiring higher strength, like driveways or structural foundations, a richer mix like 1:2:3 or 1:1.5:3 might be used.
To a point, yes. A "richer" mix with a higher proportion of cement (like 1:1.5:3) will generally be stronger than a "leaner" mix (like 1:3:6). However, adding too much cement can make the concrete brittle and prone to cracking. The water-to-cement ratio is also a critical factor for strength.
Aggregate (gravel or crushed stone) is the primary structural component, providing strength and bulk. Sand (fine aggregate) fills the voids between the larger aggregate pieces. The cement paste (cement and water) then coats everything and binds it all together into a solid mass.
The amount of water is critical. Too much water weakens the concrete, while too little makes it unworkable. A good rule of thumb is a water-to-cement ratio of 0.4 to 0.6. This means for every 10 pounds of cement, you would use 4 to 6 pounds of water. Aim for a mix that's workable but not soupy.
This depends on the mix ratio. For a standard 1:2:4 mix, you'll need approximately 6 bags (94 lbs each) of cement and about 12 cubic feet of sand and 24 cubic feet of aggregate to make one cubic yard of concrete. Our calculator provides estimates based on your specific ratio.
Still Have Questions?
Contact UsTrusted by Contractors and DIYers
See why our calculator is a go-to tool for concrete projects.
Alistair Finch
Concrete Contractor
"I use this on every job site to confirm my numbers before ordering a truck. Hasn't been wrong yet. Essential tool."
Bronwyn Rhys
DIY Homeowner
"I used this for my back patio slab and it was a lifesaver. The bag estimate was perfect for my trip to the hardware store."
Cassian Valerius
General Contractor
"Quickly gives me the numbers my crew needs on site. Reduces errors and saves time. A must-have."
Elara Vance
Landscape Architect
"Great for planning out backyard patios and walkways for clients. Helps me quickly create a budget."
Peregrine Thorne
Property Manager
"I manage several rental units, and this calculator is essential for estimating flooring costs for turnover. Simple and very accurate."
Isolde Beaumont
Retail Store Owner
"Used this for budgeting the new flooring for my boutique. The estimate was incredibly close to my final cost."
Theron Petrov
Construction Manager
"Great for quickly estimating material needs for bidding on jobs. Simple, fast, and reliable."
Seraphina Dubois
Remodeler
"This calculator is so simple, but it saved me a couple hundred dollars by making sure I included a waste factor. Highly recommend."
Leander Croft
Handyman
"Does exactly what it says. Would be cool to see a feature that helps calculate costs for removing old flooring."
Have Feedback or a Question?
We'd love to hear from you! If you have suggestions, questions, or just want to say hello, please get in touch.