Concrete Mix Ratio

Concrete is made up of a ratio of mixed cement, sand, and aggregates or gravel. When mixed with water and cement becomes a paste that chemically sets hard. However cement alone is not strong enough and so sand and gravel are mixed in for strength and bulk or volume.

There are many different types of concrete and uses but the most common are high strength and water tight, general use and foundations.

High Strength Concrete Mix Ratio
Cement = 1 part.
Sand = 2 parts.
Stone or gravel = 3 parts.
This concrete mix ratio will give you high strength concrete plus water tight properties making it great for ponds, and structural uses such as concrete panels and building slabs.

General Use Concrete Mix Ratio
Cement = 1 part.
Sand = 2.5 parts.
Stone or gravel = 3 parts.
This concrete mix ratio will give you concrete that is great for paths, floors, general land scraping, and driveways.

Foundations and large volume Concrete Mix Ratio
Cement = 1 part.
Sand = 3 parts.
Stone or gravel = 5 parts.

Foundations are the main use for this concrete mix ratio where a large amount of concrete is used to fill up strip footings trenches. This concrete mix is used in house foundations, to make solid and stable, when filling from bed rock to ground level.