Mixing Ratio for Concrete and Mortar: 3 Easy Steps with Cementmix

Getting the concrete mixing ratio right is important for strength, workability and durability. Fresh concrete is made from cement, sand, gravel and water. For general DIY work, a 1:2:3 mixing ratio is a useful starting point: one part cement, two parts sand and three parts gravel.

Then we add one short line in the intro explaining that people often say “cement mix,” but concrete and mortar have different ratios.

Standard concrete mixing ratio: 1:2:3

Mixing wet concrete with the correct mixing ratio

The standard ratio of the ingredients for wet concrete are:

  • 1 part cement
  • 2 parts sand
  • 3 parts gravel
  • 0,5 part water

This 1:2:3 ratio is a practical starting point for many small DIY concrete jobs. The exact liquid requirement can vary according to the materials used and the intended application. The mix should be workable but not overly wet, because excess liquid can reduce the final strength of the concrete. For structural work, always follow the specified mix design or seek professional advice.

Concrete should be workable enough to place, compact and level, but it should not be excessively wet. A mix that contains too much liquid can lose strength and may shrink more while curing. If the mix is too stiff, check the recommended ratio for the cement or concrete product you are using. When using Cementmix, use it as a full replacement for the mixing water.

How much Cementmix do you need?

Cementmix replaces the mixing water litre for litre. Check how much water is required on the cement, mortar or concrete bag, then use the same amount of Cementmix instead. For example, if one bag requires 3 litres of water and you use 10 bags, you need 30 litres of Cementmix.

Concrete mix for foundations

Wet concrete, used to pour a foundation, has a somewhat different ratio:

  • 1 part cement
  • 2,5 parts zand
  • 3,5 parts gravel
  • 0,5 part water

Use Cementmix instead of water to make your concrete waterproof through and through.

Mortar

Mortar is used to lay bricks or in plaster-work. Mortar differs from wet concrete, because mortar contains no gravel. The mixture ratio is as follows:

  • 1 part cement
  • 4 parts sand
  • 0,5 part water

Use Cementmix instead of water to make your concrete waterproof through and through.

In what order you should mix your wet concrete

  1. Gravel
  2. Sand
  3. Cement
  4. Water

First mix the gravel with the sand. After that you add the cement. When gravel, sand and cement are mixed together properly, you can add the water. If you use Cementmix instead of water, your concrete will be waterproof after hardening.

When you start mixing the wet concrete, be sure you have all the ingredients at hand. Also, calculate how much wet concrete (liter) will fit into the mixer – you don’t want to end up, not having enough space for all the ingredients you need to make your wet concrete.

Why use Cementmix for concrete?

Getting the mixing ratio right is only part of making durable concrete. The amount of liquid in the mix also affects workability, strength and long-term moisture resistance. Cementmix replaces the mixing water litre for litre, so you can use the same mixing ratio while making the concrete permanently waterproof from within.

Use Cementmix in concrete, mortar, cement render and screed whenever moisture protection is important. It is simple to use: measure the amount of water required for your mix and use the same amount of Cementmix instead.

For independent technical information about concrete materials and mix design, see The Concrete Centre’s guidance on concrete aggregates.

With the correct mixing ratio and Cementmix, you can produce strong, durable concrete for a wide range of DIY projects.

making waterproof mortar with Cementmix
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  • Cementmix replaces water in the mixing process of concrete, mortar and cement. 5 litre Cementmix represents 5 litre of water.
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  • Available in  1 / 2,5 / 5 / 10 / 25 Liter.