Construction & ContractorsMix Ratio Engine
Cement Calculator
Calculate 94-lb Portland cement bags, sand tons, gravel tons, and water needed for 1:2:3 concrete mixes or 1:3 mortar.
Calculation Results
Concrete Mix Ratio Formula (1:2:3)
Per Cubic Yard: 6 Bags (94-lb) Cement + 0.52 Tons Sand + 0.80 Tons Gravel + 32 Gallons Water- 1:2:3 Ratio: 1 part Portland cement, 2 parts clean sand, 3 parts gravel/crushed stone by loose volume.
- Cement Bag Standard: 1 bag of Portland cement weighs 94 lbs and equals exactly 1 cubic foot loose volume.
- Water Ratio: 5 to 6 gallons of water per 94-lb bag of cement to maintain design compressive strength.
Step-by-Step Worked Example
Scenario: Mixing 4 cubic yards of on-site 3,500 PSI structural concrete
Calculation Steps:
- Cement Bags (94-lb) = 4 cu yd × 6 bags = 24 bags (2,256 lbs)
- Sand Required = 4 cu yd × 0.52 tons = 2.08 tons
- Gravel Required = 4 cu yd × 0.80 tons = 3.20 tons
- Mixing Water = 4 cu yd × 32 gal = 128 gallons
- Total Material Cost = (24 × $14.50) + (2.08 × $35) + (3.20 × $42) = $555.20
Result: To mix 4 cubic yards, you will need 24 bags of Portland cement, 2.08 tons of sand, and 3.20 tons of gravel costing approximately $555.
How to Use This Calculator
- 1Enter the target concrete or mortar volume in cubic yards.
- 2Select your mix ratio (1:2:3 for general concrete or 1:3 for masonry mortar).
Assumptions & Limitations
- Estimates are based on standard national averages and current prevailing construction materials and contractor rates.
- Actual trade bids may fluctuate according to local building code requirements, permit fees, and site topography.
- Always obtain multiple written bids from licensed, bonded, and insured contractors before commencing work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between cement and concrete?
Cement is a binding powder (the active ingredient). Concrete is the finished building composite made by mixing cement powder with water, sand, and gravel aggregate.
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