Sand and Cement per m2

Calculation Formulas:

\[ \text{Cement (kg/m²)} = \left[\text{Thickness (m)} \times 1.33 \times \left(\frac{1}{1 + \text{ratio}}\right)\right] \times 1440 \] \[ \text{Sand (kg/m²)} = \left[\text{Thickness (m)} \times 1.33 \times \left(\frac{\text{ratio}}{1 + \text{ratio}}\right)\right] \times 1600 \]

Cement Required:

Sand Required:

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1. What is This Calculator For?

This calculator determines the amount of sand and cement needed per square meter for mortar or render based on the specified thickness and mix ratio.

2. How Does the Calculation Work?

The calculator uses these formulas:

\[ \text{Cement} = \left[\text{Thickness} \times 1.33 \times \left(\frac{1}{1 + \text{ratio}}\right)\right] \times 1440 \] \[ \text{Sand} = \left[\text{Thickness} \times 1.33 \times \left(\frac{\text{ratio}}{1 + \text{ratio}}\right)\right] \times 1600 \]

Where:

Thickness — Layer thickness in meters (typically 0.01–0.03 m)
Ratio — Cement to sand ratio (e.g. 4 for 1:4 mix)
1.33 — Standard wet mix volume factor
1440 — Cement density (kg/m³)
1600 — Sand density (kg/m³)

3. Importance of Accurate Mixing

Details: Proper sand-cement ratios ensure workability, strength, and durability of the mortar or render. Too much cement can cause cracking, while too little weakens the mix.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter thickness in meters (10mm = 0.01m) and your desired cement:sand ratio. Typical ratios are 1:3 to 1:6 for most applications.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a typical thickness for render?
A: 15-20mm (0.015-0.02m) is standard for external render, while 10mm (0.01m) is common for internal applications.

Q2: What ratio should I use?
A: 1:4 is common for general purpose mortar, 1:3 for stronger mixes, and 1:5-1:6 for weaker mixes or bricklaying.

Q3: Why the 1.33 factor?
A: This accounts for the increased volume when mixing dry materials with water (bulking factor).

Q4: How accurate are these calculations?
A: They provide good estimates but actual requirements may vary slightly based on material quality and compaction.

Q5: Can I use this for concrete?
A: No, concrete mixes include aggregates and require different calculations.