1. What is This Calculator For?

This calculator helps determine the amount of cement and sand needed for paving slab projects based on the area to be covered, slab thickness, and your desired cement-to-sand ratio.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses standard construction formulas:

Where:

• Area — Surface area to be paved (m²)
• Thickness — Depth of the paving slab (meters)
• Ratio — Cement to sand ratio (e.g., 4 for 1:4 mix)
• 1.33 — Standard factor accounting for compaction
• 1440 — Density of cement (kg/m³)
• 1600 — Density of sand (kg/m³)

3. Importance of Accurate Material Calculation

Details: Proper material calculation ensures you purchase the right amount of materials, avoiding both shortages that delay projects and excess that leads to waste.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Measure your area accurately in square meters. Common slab thickness ranges from 0.05m to 0.1m. Typical ratios are 1:3 to 1:6 (cement:sand).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a typical cement:sand ratio for paving slabs?
A: A 1:4 or 1:5 ratio is common for most paving applications, providing good strength and workability.

Q2: How do I convert square feet to square meters?
A: Multiply square feet by 0.0929 to get square meters (1 ft² = 0.0929 m²).

Q3: Should I order extra materials?
A: It's wise to order 5-10% extra to account for spillage, uneven surfaces, and calculation margins.

Q4: What if my area isn't rectangular?
A: Break irregular shapes into smaller rectangles, calculate each separately, then sum the results.

Q5: Does this account for mortar between slabs?
A: No, this calculates base materials only. Add 5-10% more for joint mortar if needed.