Concrete Mix Design Reference
Standard concrete mix designs by grade from C20 to C50. Includes cement content, water-cement ratios, aggregate proportions, slump requirements, and strength development curves for construction projects.
Standard mix proportions per cubic meter of concrete. Select a grade to view detailed proportions.
Blinding, non-structural
General structural work
Slabs, beams, columns
Post-tensioned, foundations
High-rise, precast
Special structures
| Grade | Cement | Water | W/C | Slump |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C20/25 | 300 | 180 | 0.6 | 75-100mm |
| C25/30 | 340 | 175 | 0.55 | 75-100mm |
| C30/37 | 380 | 170 | 0.5 | 100-150mm |
| C35/45 | 400 | 165 | 0.45 | 100-150mm |
| C40/50 | 420 | 160 | 0.42 | 150-200mm |
| C50/60 | 450 | 155 | 0.38 | 150-200mm |
All values in kg/m³ unless otherwise noted
Typical strength development as % of 28-day strength (OPC at 20°C)
| Age (days) | % of 28-day Strength | C30 Approx. (MPa) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 days | 16% | 4.8 MPa |
| 3 days | 40% | 12.0 MPa |
| 7 days | 65% | 19.5 MPa |
| 14 days | 85% | 25.5 MPa |
| 28 days | 100% | 30.0 MPa |
| 56 days | 110% | 33.0 MPa |
| 90 days | 115% | 34.5 MPa |
Water/Cement Ratio
Lower W/C ratio = higher strength but reduced workability. Minimum W/C for hydration is ~0.25.
Slump Test
Higher slump = more workable. Typical: 75-100mm for beams/slabs, 150-200mm for congested areas.
Download Mix Design Guide
Get complete mix design reference with admixture guidelines
Notes:
- Mix designs are indicative - actual mixes depend on local materials
- Aggregate proportions based on 20mm nominal maximum size
- Adjust water content for aggregate moisture condition
- Consider admixtures for improved workability or durability
- Hot weather concreting may require different mix design
REFERENCE INFORMATION
This tool provides standard reference data compiled from industry sources.
Note:
• Data is provided for quick reference and may not reflect the most current standards or specifications.
About This Calculator
The Concrete Mix Design Reference provides engineers, contractors, and ready-mix plant operators with standard mix proportions for concrete grades C20 through C50 commonly specified on UAE and Gulf projects. Look up cement content, water-cement ratios, aggregate proportions, and slump requirements based on concrete grade and exposure conditions. Includes strength development curves showing expected compressive strength at 7, 14, and 28 days.
When to Use This Calculator
- Specifying concrete grade requirements for structural elements
- Verifying ready-mix plant delivery ticket proportions
- Planning concrete works with appropriate slump for placement method
- Understanding strength development for formwork stripping times
- Reviewing mix designs submitted by concrete suppliers
How to Use This Calculator
Select Concrete Grade
Choose the required grade (C20, C25, C30, C35, C40, C45, or C50) based on structural requirements.
Review Mix Proportions
View cement content (kg/m³), water-cement ratio, and aggregate proportions for the selected grade.
Check Slump Requirements
Select appropriate slump based on placement method: 50-100mm for slabs, 100-150mm for pumped concrete.
View Strength Curves
Review expected compressive strength development at 7, 14, and 28 days for construction planning.
Typical Scenarios in UAE & Gulf Projects
Site engineer specifies C35 sulfate-resistant concrete for raft foundation in aggressive soil conditions. Reviews mix design to ensure adequate cement content (380 kg/m³) and low water-cement ratio (0.45) for durability against Gulf groundwater conditions.
Contractor reviews C50 high-strength mix design for vertical columns requiring pump placement. Confirms slump of 150-180mm is appropriate for pumped concrete and reviews 7-day strength to plan climbing formwork cycles.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Last Updated: January 2026
Standards Reference: BS EN 206, ACI 211.1 Mix Design, BS 8500 Concrete Specification, UAE Building Code