How to use it
- Enter the Concrete Volume in m³ for the pour.
- Enter the Cement Content in kg/m³ from your mix design. The default is 350 kg/m³; typical structural mixes are about 300 to 400.
- Check the Bag Weight in kg. The default is 50 kg, the usual bag in the UAE.
- Set Wastage (%) for spillage and leftovers; the default is 5%. Read Cement Weight (with wastage) and Bags Required.
The formula
Cement weight = volume × cement content × (1 + wastage). Bags = cement weight ÷ bag weight. For example, a mix with 350 kg of cement per m³ needs 7 bags of 50 kg for every cubic meter, before wastage.
What changes the result
The cement content is the biggest factor, and it comes from the mix design for the strength class and exposure, not from a rule of thumb. Cement replacement such as GGBS or fly ash, which is common on Gulf projects, changes the cement and total binder amounts, so use the figure for the cement portion only. Wastage covers torn bags, spillage and leftover cement; 5% is a common allowance, higher for small pours mixed by hand.
Bagged cement versus ready-mix
Bagged cement suits small jobs, blockwork mortar, plaster and repairs. Larger pours, such as slabs and foundations, are usually ordered as ready-mix by the cubic meter, where the supplier supplies the cement. This calculator counts cement only: sand, aggregate and water for site mixing are separate. In UAE summer heat, store bags off the ground, covered and out of the sun, as the cement can lose strength once damp.
Worked examples
- One cubic meter at 350 kg/m³ with no wastage needs 7 bags.
- A 12 m³ slab pour at 350 kg/m³ and 5% wastage needs 4,410 kg of cement, which is 88.2 bags.
- A small 3 m³ footing at a richer 400 kg/m³ needs 25.2 bags.
- A 40 m³ blinding or non-structural pour at 300 kg/m³ needs 252 bags.
Bags of cement for a pour
Printable chart| Concrete volume (m³) | Cement (kg, with wastage) | 50 kg bags |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 367.5 kg | 7.35 bags |
| 2 | 735 kg | 14.7 bags |
| 3 | 1,102.5 kg | 22.05 bags |
| 5 | 1,837.5 kg | 36.75 bags |
| 10 | 3,675 kg | 73.5 bags |
| 12 | 4,410 kg | 88.2 bags |
| 20 | 7,350 kg | 147 bags |
| 30 | 11,025 kg | 220.5 bags |
| 50 | 18,375 kg | 367.5 bags |
| 100 | 36,750 kg | 735 bags |
Shown for 350 kg/m³ cement content, 50 kg bags and 5% wastage. Change the fields above for your own mix.
Frequently asked questions
How many cement bags are needed per cubic meter of concrete?
Divide the cement content of your mix by the bag weight. At 350 kg/m³ with 50 kg bags that is 7 bags per m³ before wastage.
What is the cement bag size in the UAE?
The common bag is 50 kg. Some imported cement comes in other sizes, so set the Bag Weight field to match what you buy.
What cement content should I use?
Use the figure from your approved mix design. As a starting point for structural concrete, mixes are often in the range of 300 to 400 kg/m³.
Does this include sand and aggregate?
No, it counts cement only. Use the concrete volume calculator for the pour volume, and your mix proportions for sand, aggregate and water.
How much wastage should I allow?
5% is the default and a common allowance. Use more for small hand-mixed jobs or when bags are handled many times.
Equipment for this job
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<iframe src="https://www.equipmentsfinder.com/embed/field-tools/cement-bag-calculator" title="Cement bag calculator" width="100%" height="620" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe> <p style="font-size:12px"><a href="https://www.equipmentsfinder.com/en-us/field-tools/cement-bag-calculator">Cement bag calculator</a> by <a href="https://www.equipmentsfinder.com">EquipmentsFinder</a></p>