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Abstract Architecture
Writer's pictureDennis Asis
Aug 82 min read

How to calculate cement sand for plastering Wall Plastering? construction materials

Updated: Nov 14

Gray concrete wall texture with cracks and scratches gray concrete wall, wall texture, cracked concrete, scratched wall
How do you calculate cement and sand for plastering?

Understanding the Basics


Before diving into calculations, let's clarify some essential terms:


  • Plastering: 


    Applying a wet mixture of cement and sand to walls or ceilings to create a smooth, protective finish.


  • Cement-sand ratio: 


    The proportion of cement to sand in the plastering mixture. Common ratios are 1:4, 1:5, or 1:6.


  • Thickness of plaster: 


    The desired thickness of the plaster layer. construction materials


 

Steps to Calculate Cement and Sand -construction materials


  • Determine the area to be plastered:

  • Measure the length and height of the walls or ceiling.

  • Calculate the total area by multiplying length by height.   


Uneven light wall texture, imperfect surface finish light wall texture, uneven surface, imperfect finish
What is the ratio of sand to cement for plastering?

Decide the plaster thickness:


  • The standard thickness for the first coat (base coat) is 12mm (0.012m).   

  • The second coat (finishing coat) is typically 6mm (0.006m).

Calculate the total volume of plaster:


  • Multiply the total area by the combined thickness of both coats (12mm + 6mm = 18mm or 0.018m).

  • This gives you the volume of wet plaster.


Account for shrinkage:


  • Plastering mix shrinks when it dries. To compensate, multiply the wet volume by a factor of 1.35. This gives you the dry volume.     

Orange wall with a closed door leading into darkness orange wall, closed door, darkness
How much sand is in 1 square meter of plaster?

Determine the cement and sand quantities based on the ratio:


  • For example, if the ratio is 1:4, there is 1 part cement for every 4 parts sand.

  • Calculate the total parts: 1 (cement) + 4 (sand) = 5 parts.

  • Divide the dry volume by 5 to find the volume for one part.

  • Multiply the volume of one part by 1 to get the cement volume.

  • Multiply the volume of one part by 4 to get the sand volume.


Convert volumes to weight:


  • Cement is typically sold in bags. Convert the cement volume to weight based on the weight of one cement bag (usually 50kg).   

  • Sand is usually measured in cubic meters. Convert the sand volume to cubic meters.   

For a time saver estimate you can use this online estimating tool calculator.


To give context regarding to the Mixture Class see reference table below:


Table of reference to compute for cement sand wall plaster
Source: Construction Estimating Simplified 2000 Edition by Max B. Fajardo Jr.

Use this Universal Length converter if necessary.



Use Desktop or Laptop Computer for best performance of this apps.


Note:


It is still best to consult a professional. This tool serves only a supplementary and aid. Use this as your plain guide. Enjoying the tool? Support us by sending gifts donations via Paypal. Any amount in kind will be appreciated. 100% safe and secure


Disclaimer:


Our online calculator is a helpful tool to give you a general idea. We do our best to make sure the numbers are right, but we can’t guarantee they’re perfect for every situation. You should always double-check the calculator’s results and maybe talk to an expert for advice on your specific project. By using the calculator, you agree that we’re not responsible if something goes wrong based on the numbers it gives you."


 

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