1. What is a Sand and Cement Calculator?

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

Purpose: It helps construction professionals and DIYers determine how much sand and cement 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 cement bag (cubic feet per bag)

Explanation: The area is multiplied by thickness (converted to feet) and ratio, then divided by bag yield to get required volume.

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, ratio (e.g., 1:4 = 0.25), and typical yield (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 (strong) to 1:6 (weak). For 1:4 ratio, enter 0.25 (1 divided by 4).

Q2: What's a typical yield per cement bag?
A: One 50kg cement bag typically yields about 1.25 cubic feet of mortar, but check manufacturer specifications.

Q3: How do I convert thickness from inches to feet?
A: The calculator automatically converts inches to feet (divides by 12) in the calculation.

Q4: Does this include wastage?
A: No, consider adding 5-10% to the calculated volume for project contingencies.

Q5: How do I calculate sand quantity from this?
A: Multiply mortar volume by (1 + 1/ratio). For 1:4 ratio, multiply by 1.25 to get sand volume.