Sand & Aggregate Calculator

Calculate sand and aggregate volume and weight for any construction project.

About this calculator

A sand and aggregate calculator estimates the quantities of fine aggregate (sand) and coarse aggregate (gravel or crushed stone) required for any concrete or masonry job. While concrete grade determines the cement-to-aggregate ratio, the absolute quantities depend on the project volume.

Sand and aggregate are usually sold by volume (cubic feet, cubic metre, brass — 1 brass = 100 ft³ = 2.83 m³) or by weight (tonne). Truckloads in India are typically 1 brass for sand and aggregate, and tippers deliver 6–8 brass at a time. Calculate accurately to avoid paying for partial truckloads.

Formula

V_{sand} = V_{dry} \times \frac{R_s}{\sum R} ; \quad V_{agg} = V_{dry} \times \frac{R_a}{\sum R}

  • V_dry — Dry volume of concrete = wet volume × 1.54
  • R_s, R_a — Sand and aggregate ratios in the mix
  • Σ R — Sum of all three ratios (cement + sand + aggregate)

Worked example

Inputs: M20 concrete (1:1.5:3) · Required wet volume: 5 m³

  1. Dry volume = 5 × 1.54 = 7.7 m³
  2. Sum of ratios = 1 + 1.5 + 3 = 5.5
  3. Sand = 7.7 × 1.5 ÷ 5.5 = 2.1 m³ ≈ 0.75 brass
  4. Aggregate = 7.7 × 3 ÷ 5.5 = 4.2 m³ ≈ 1.5 brass
  5. Cement = 7.7 × 1 ÷ 5.5 ÷ 0.0347 = 40 bags of 50 kg

Frequently asked questions

River sand or M-sand?

River sand has been banned or heavily restricted in many Indian states because of environmental damage. Manufactured Sand (M-sand) produced by crushing rock to specific grading is the recommended modern alternative. M-sand produces equally strong concrete but the workability is slightly different — adjust water content carefully. Always insist on M-sand that meets IS 383 grading standards.

What size aggregate should I use?

For RCC slabs, beams, columns: 20 mm down (also called "20 mm graded aggregate"). For mass concrete (footings, retaining walls): 40 mm down. For thin slabs (less than 100 mm) or congested reinforcement: 10 mm down or even 6 mm. Smaller aggregate needs more cement and more water — sticking with 20 mm down for normal residential work is most economical.

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