What's the standard concrete mix ratio?

1:2:3 by volume — one part cement, two parts sand, three parts gravel — produces ~3000 PSI concrete.

What ratio for high-strength concrete?

1:1.5:3 with a low water-cement ratio gives 4000–5000 PSI.

For batches under 2 cubic feet, yes. Above that, rent a mixer — hand-mixing rarely achieves uniform strength.

ConcreteJune 12, 2026·6 min read

1:2:3, 1:1.5:3, M20, M25 — what the numbers mean and which ratio your project needs.

Concrete is just cement + sand + gravel + water. The ratio determines strength.

1 part cement, 2 parts sand, 3 parts gravel. Yields ~3000 PSI concrete — enough for any residential slab.

Yields 4000–5000 PSI. Use for driveways carrying trucks, structural walls, and footings under heavy load.

Less water = stronger concrete. Target a water-cement ratio of 0.45–0.50 for structural work. Wetter is easier to pour but dramatically weaker.

Use the calculator for ready-mix yards, then dial in the mix on site.

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