1. What Is This Calculator For?

This calculator determines the amount of sharp sand and cement needed for brick wall construction based on the mortar volume and desired cement:sand ratio.

2. How Does The Calculator Work?

The calculator uses these formulas:

Where:

• Mortar volume — Total volume needed in cubic meters
• Ratio — Cement to sand ratio (e.g., 1:6 means 1 part cement to 6 parts sand)
• 1.33 — Standard factor for mortar calculations
• 1440 — Density of cement in kg/m³
• 1600 — Density of sharp sand in kg/m³

3. Importance Of Accurate Calculations

Details: Proper mortar mix is crucial for wall strength and durability. Too much cement can make the mortar brittle, while too much sand can weaken the bond.

4. Using The Calculator

Tips: Enter the total mortar volume needed in cubic meters and your desired cement:sand ratio (enter just the second number - for 1:6 ratio, enter 6). All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a typical cement:sand ratio for bricklaying?
A: Common ratios are 1:3 to 1:6 depending on the application. 1:4 or 1:5 are typical for general bricklaying.

Q2: Why use sharp sand specifically?
A: Sharp sand has angular particles that bond better in mortar compared to soft sand, providing better strength.

Q3: How do I estimate mortar volume needed?
A: As a rough guide, you'll need about 0.025 m³ of mortar per square meter of wall with standard bricks.

Q4: Does this account for wastage?
A: No, you should add 5-10% extra to account for mixing losses and application wastage.

Q5: Can I use this for other types of masonry?
A: While the principles are similar, blockwork and stone masonry may require different ratios - consult specific guidelines.