Sand & Cement Mortar Mix Ratios and Quantities
Updated June 2026 · Estimates only — verify before quoting
Getting the mortar mix right matters for both strength and workability. Here are the common UK ratios and how to estimate quantities for your job.
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Mortar Mix Calculator
Cement and sand quantities for any mix ratio and area.
Open the Mortar Mix CalculatorCommon mortar mix ratios
Ratios are given as cement : sand (often with plasticiser or lime). The right one depends on exposure and the job.
- General brick/blockwork: 1:4 to 1:5 (cement : sand)
- Exposed / below DPC: 1:3 to 1:4 (stronger)
- Pointing: 1:4 to 1:5
- Bricklaying with lime: 1:1:6 (cement : lime : sand)
How much will you need?
As a rough guide, a single-skin brick wall uses around 0.02–0.03 m³ of mortar per m². The Mortar Mix Calculator below converts that into bags of cement and tonnes/bags of sand for your chosen ratio.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best mortar mix for bricklaying?
A 1:4 to 1:5 cement-to-sand mix suits most general brickwork. Use a stronger 1:3 for exposed or below-ground work.
How much sand and cement do I need?
Around 0.02–0.03 m³ of mortar per m² of single-skin brickwork. The calculator converts this into bags of cement and sand.
From estimate to winning quote
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