Cement Calculator South Africa 2026 (PPC 50kg Bags, 25 MPa Concrete Mix, Sand & Stone)
Calculate 50kg PPC cement bags, cubic metres of river sand, and 19mm stone for 25 MPa, 15 MPa, and 30 MPa concrete slabs, foundations, mortar, and plaster in South Africa. Fully compliant with SANS 10100.
Cement Calculator South Africa
Methodology
Calculates concrete, bricklaying mortar, and wall plaster volumes based on South African SANS 10100 standards and PPC Surebuild (CEM II 42.5N) technical mix design tables. Adds a 10% buffer for ground unevenness, compaction settlement, and site spillage. Outputs exact 50kg cement bag counts, river sand (m³ and metric tons), 19mm crushed stone aggregate, and mixing water in litres.
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User-provided inputs
This calculator uses only the values you enter. It does not automatically apply tax law, statutory deductions, lender fees, or live exchange rates.
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Formula basis
The formula is shown openly and no country rate is inserted automatically.
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Your estimate
AfricalHub is an independent private platform not affiliated with any government agency. Calculations are for educational planning only. Verify official filings with the relevant revenue authority or a qualified professional.
SANS 10100 Concrete & Mortar Mix Reference Table
| Strength Grade / Application | 50kg PPC Bags / m³ | River Sand / m³ | 19mm Stone / m³ | Water / m³ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 MPa (Footpaths & Bedding) | ~5.5 Bags (275 kg) | 0.70 m³ (~1.0 ton) | 0.70 m³ (~1.05 tons) | ~190 Litres |
| 25 MPa (Structural Slabs & Driveways) | ~7.5 Bags (375 kg) | 0.65 m³ (~0.95 tons) | 0.65 m³ (~0.98 tons) | ~180 Litres |
| 30 MPa (Suspended Slabs & Industrial) | ~9.2 Bags (460 kg) | 0.60 m³ (~0.90 tons) | 0.65 m³ (~0.98 tons) | ~175 Litres |
| Class II Bricklaying Mortar | ~10 Bags (500 kg) | 1.05 m³ Building Sand | None (0 m³) | ~200 Litres |
| Internal / External Plaster | ~11 Bags (550 kg) | 1.10 m³ Plaster Sand | None (0 m³) | ~210 Litres |
Sources
User-provided inputs
This calculator uses only the values you enter. It does not automatically apply tax law, statutory deductions, lender fees, or live exchange rates.
Frequently asked questions
What is the standard mix ratio for 25 MPa concrete in South Africa?
For 25 MPa structural concrete (house foundations, floor slabs, driveways), the standard volume batching ratio is 1 part cement, 2 parts clean river sand, and 2.5 parts 19mm stone. In practice, 1 cubic metre of 25 MPa concrete requires approximately 7.5 bags of 50kg PPC Surebuild cement, 0.65 m³ of sand, and 0.65 m³ of 19mm stone.
How thick should a residential concrete floor slab be in South Africa?
Under SANS 10400 Part J, residential internal concrete floor slabs must be a minimum of 100mm (0.1m) thick over a damp-proof membrane (DPM) and compacted fill. Vehicle driveways should be 125mm to 150mm thick.
How many bags of cement do I need for 1 cubic metre of concrete?
For 15 MPa concrete (light footpaths), you need ~5.5 bags. For 25 MPa concrete (structural slabs), you need ~7.5 bags. For 30 MPa heavy industrial concrete, you need ~9.2 bags of 50kg cement per cubic metre.
What type of sand is used for plastering vs concrete?
Concrete requires coarse, sharp river sand (umgeni/pit sand) free of clay. Plastering requires fine, sifted plaster sand (silica/red pit sand) that gives a smooth trowel finish.