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Sieve Analysis / Aggregate Gradation Calculator

Perform sieve analysis and calculate aggregate gradation: cumulative percent passing, fineness modulus, coefficient of uniformity, coefficient of curvature, and grading compliance per IS 383, ASTM C33, and BS 882.

Building Materials Civil engineers, lab technicians, quality control engineers Commercial Intent: MODERATE

Engineering Formulas

Cumulative % Retained

Cum%_i = Σ(mass retained up to sieve i) / total mass × 100

Cum%_i: Cumulative percent retained on sieve i

Percent Passing

%Passing = 100 — Cum%_Retained

%Passing: Percent passing through sieve

Fineness Modulus

FM = Σ(Cum%_retained on 4.75, 2.36, 1.18, 0.600, 0.300, 0.150 mm sieves) / 100

FM: Fineness modulus (2.0–3.5 typical for concrete sand)

Uniformity & Curvature

Cu = D₆₀ / D₁₀
Cc = D₃₀² / (D₆₀ × D₁₀)
Well-graded: Cu ≥ 4 and 1 ≤ Cc ≤ 3

Cu: Coefficient of uniformity

Cc: Coefficient of curvature

Worked Example

Fine Aggregate (Sand) Sieve Analysis

aggregateType: finetotalMass: 1000mass4_75: 25mass2_36: 80mass1_18: 150mass0_600: 250mass0_300: 280mass0_150: 160mass0_075: 45

Total Check

25+80+150+250+280+160+45 = 990 g (99% recovery — OK)

Cum % Retained

4.75mm: 2.5%, 2.36mm: 10.6%, 1.18mm: 25.6%, 600µm: 50.6%, 300µm: 78.6%, 150µm: 94.6%

(2.5+10.6+25.6+50.6+78.6+94.6)/100 = 2.63

Zone

FM = 2.63 → Zone II (general concrete sand)

Result: FM = 2.63, Zone II — suitable for general concrete work. Cu and Cc indicate well-graded sand.

Engineering Notes

The sum of masses retained on all sieves should be within 1% of the total sample mass.

For fine aggregate, use 500 g minimum sample size; for coarse, use 5 kg minimum.

Plot the gradation curve on semi-log paper with sieve size on log scale for best results.

Fineness modulus is a linear index — it does not reflect the shape of the gradation curve.

For concrete mix design, combine fine and coarse aggregate gradations to get combined grading.

Assumptions

• Sample is representative of the aggregate batch

• All sieve openings are clean and undamaged

• Sieving time is adequate for complete separation

• Mass retained sums to total sample mass (within ±1%)

Common Mistakes

✕ Not accounting for the full sample mass (sum of retained should equal total)

✕ Using the wrong set of sieves for FM calculation (only 6 specific sieves)

✕ Interpolating D10, D30, D60 from a poorly plotted gradation curve

✕ Forgetting to account for fines passing the 75 µm sieve

✕ Using metric (mm) instead of standard (ASTM) sieve designations incorrectly

Frequently Asked Questions

What is sieve analysis used for?

Sieve analysis determines the particle size distribution (gradation) of aggregates. It is essential for concrete mix design, asphalt mix design, soil classification, and quality control in construction.

What is Fineness Modulus (FM)?

FM is an index of the coarseness or fineness of aggregate. It is the sum of cumulative percentages retained on standard sieves (4.75, 2.36, 1.18, 0.600, 0.300, 0.150 mm) divided by 100. Typical FM for concrete sand: 2.0–3.5.

What is well-graded aggregate?

A well-graded aggregate has a good representation of all particle sizes. Cu ≥ 4 for fine, Cu ≥ 6 for coarse, and Cc between 1 and 3. Well-graded aggregates give densest packing and best concrete performance.

What are the standard sieves for FM calculation?

The six standard sieves for fineness modulus are: 4.75 mm (No. 4), 2.36 mm (No. 8), 1.18 mm (No. 16), 600 µm (No. 30), 300 µm (No. 50), and 150 µm (No. 100).

What is the difference between D10, D30, and D60?

D10, D30, and D60 are the particle sizes at which 10%, 30%, and 60% of the sample passes. D10 is also called effective size. These are obtained by interpolation from the gradation curve.

What are the grading zones for sand?

IS 383 defines four zones for fine aggregate: Zone I (coarsest, FM 3.0–3.5), Zone II (FM 2.5–3.0), Zone III (FM 2.0–2.5), Zone IV (finest, FM 1.5–2.0). Zone II is preferred for general concrete.

What is the maximum allowable FM variation?

For concrete production, FM should not vary by more than ±0.2 from the design value. Larger variations require mix design adjustment.

What is gap-graded aggregate?

Gap-graded aggregate has certain particle sizes missing. This can lead to segregation and honeycombing in concrete. It is generally avoided for structural concrete.

References & Standards

IS 383ASTM C33/C33MASTM C136BS 882EN 933-1

IS 383

Specifications for Coarse and Fine Aggregates from Natural Sources for Concrete

ASTM C33/C33M

Standard Specification for Concrete Aggregates

ASTM C136

Standard Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse Aggregates

BS 882

Specification for Aggregates from Natural Sources for Concrete

EN 933-1

Tests for Geometrical Properties of Aggregates — Determination of Particle Size Distribution — Sieving Method

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