1. What is a Cement and Sand Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates the volume of mortar needed based on area, thickness, cement-sand ratio, and yield per bag.

Purpose: It helps construction professionals and DIYers determine how much cement and sand is required for masonry or plastering work.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( M \) — Mortar volume (cubic feet)
• \( A \) — Area to be covered (square feet)
• \( T \) — Thickness of mortar (inches)
• \( R \) — Cement to sand ratio (unitless)
• \( Y \) — Yield per bag of cement (cubic feet per bag)

Explanation: The area is multiplied by thickness (converted to feet) and ratio, then divided by yield to determine how much mortar is needed.

3. Importance of Mortar Calculation

Details: Proper mortar estimation ensures structural integrity, prevents material waste, and helps with accurate cost estimation.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the area in square feet, thickness in inches, cement-sand ratio (e.g., 1:4 = 0.25), and yield per bag (default 1.25 ft³/bag). All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I determine the cement-sand ratio?
A: Common ratios are 1:3 (0.33) for structural work and 1:4 (0.25) for plastering. Check your project specifications.

Q2: What's a typical yield per bag?
A: A standard 94 lb bag of cement yields about 1.25 cubic feet of mortar when mixed with sand.

Q3: Why convert thickness to feet?
A: The calculator converts inches to feet (dividing by 12) to maintain consistent units (feet and square feet).

Q4: How do I calculate sand quantity?
A: Multiply the mortar volume by (1 - ratio). For 1:4 ratio (0.2), sand would be 80% of total volume.

Q5: Does this include waste or overage?
A: No, consider adding 10-15% to the calculated volume for project contingencies and waste.