For general purposes, mix 6 parts sand to 1 part cement. For heavy duty projects, you may mix 4 parts sand to 1 part cement, but recently, best results however is mixing 3 parts sand to 1 part cement. The ratio you choose depends on the intended use. For example, load-bearing structures such as foundations require a higher sand to cement ratio than non-load-bearing structures.
Check out the table below for the most common types of mortar mixes, their mixing ratios, and their applications.
It’s vital that you use the same mortar mix ratio through to the end of your project. Otherwise, you will risk having different shades of mortar and inconsistencies in strength across the structure.
Mortar Mix Ratios for Various Types of Mortar
|
Mortar Type
|
Minimum Compressive Strength
|
Cement:Sand:Hydrated Lime Ratio
|
Uses
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Type M
|
2,500 psi
|
3:12:1
|
Underground, foundations, retaining walls, driveways
|
|
Type S
|
1,800 psi
|
2:9:1
|
Underground, foundations, retaining walls, manholes, sewer walls, brick patios, pavements, and walkways
|
|
Type N
|
750 psi
|
1:6:1
|
Above ground, general purpose, interior, exterior, mild load-bearing, chimneys, soft-stone or low-fired brick masonry
|
|
Type O
|
350 psi
|
1:9:2
|
Above ground, non-load-bearing, interior
|
Uses, ratios, and ASTM standards of compressive strength for mortar types M, S, N, and O.
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