1. What is Cement-Sand Ratio?

The cement-sand ratio is the proportion of cement to sand used in concrete mixtures. Common ratios are 1:2 for M15 grade concrete and 1:1.5 for M20 grade concrete, where the first number represents cement and the second represents sand.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses standard cement-sand ratios:

Explanation: The ratio determines the strength and workability of the concrete mixture. Higher cement content (lower ratio number) results in stronger concrete.

3. Importance of Proper Ratio

Details: Using the correct cement-sand ratio is crucial for achieving the desired concrete strength, durability, and workability. Incorrect ratios can lead to weak or brittle concrete.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Select the concrete grade (M15 or M20) and enter the amount of cement in kilograms. The calculator will determine the required sand quantity based on standard ratios.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between M15 and M20 concrete?
A: M15 has a compressive strength of 15 MPa, while M20 has 20 MPa. M20 is stronger and uses more cement relative to sand (1:1.5 vs 1:2).

Q2: Can I use different ratios?
A: Standard ratios are recommended for consistent results. Altering ratios affects concrete properties and should be done by experienced professionals.

Q3: Does this include aggregate?
A: No, this calculator only determines the cement-sand ratio. Complete concrete mixes also include coarse aggregate in specific proportions.

Q4: How accurate are these ratios?
A: These are standard engineering ratios. Actual requirements may vary slightly based on specific sand quality, cement type, and environmental conditions.

Q5: What about water content?
A: Water-cement ratio is separate (typically 0.4-0.6). This calculator focuses only on the cement-sand proportion.