Aggregate Blend Calculator

How to Use

Enter sieve analysis for each aggregate using % Passing (the default) or % Cumulative Retained format
Adjust proportions using the sliders or input fields (must total 100%)
View results in the gradation table below - calculations update automatically
Compare to specs by selecting an optional target specification (KDOT, CDOT, NDOT, ODOT, or ASTM)

Blend Composition

Aggregate 1100%

Total:100%

Aggregate 1

Name

Sieve Analysis

Proportion

Target Specification (Optional)

Share & Compare

Share the current calculator view as a public link, or compare up to three real gradations side-by-side.

Include current blendadd sieve data to include the live blend

Choose up to 3 items

Blend gradation submittalNo target specificationMaterials: Aggregate 1 100%

Upload or enter sieve values to see the gradation curve.

Sieve	Aggregate 1100%
6" [150mm]	-
4" [100mm]	-
3" [75mm]	-
2 1/2" [63mm]	-
2" [50mm]	-
1 1/2" [37.5mm]	-
1" [25mm]	-
3/4" [19mm]	-
1/2" [12.5mm]	-
3/8" [9.5mm]	-
#4 [4.75mm]	-
#8 [2.36mm]	-
#10 [2.0mm]	-
#16 [1.18mm]	-
#30 [600μm]	-
#40 [425μm]	-
#50 [300μm]	-
#100 [150μm]	-
#200 [75μm]	-

Theoretical combined gradation; verify by testing (AASHTO T 27 / T 11).

Note: Theoretical combined gradation; verify by testing (AASHTO T 27 / T 11). Actual blend performance may vary based on material properties, moisture content, and mixing methods. Always verify with laboratory testing for critical applications.

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Gradation Calculator FAQ

How does the calculator combine the gradations of several aggregates?

For each sieve it multiplies every aggregate's percent passing by that aggregate's share of the blend and adds the results: P(blend) = f1 x P1 + f2 x P2 + ... + fn x Pn. The shares must total 100%, and the calculation is repeated for every sieve size you entered.

What is the difference between percent passing and cumulative percent retained?

Percent passing is the share of the sample, by weight, that falls through a sieve. Cumulative percent retained is the share caught on that sieve and every coarser sieve, so cumulative percent retained = 100 minus percent passing. Most lab reports show percent passing, which is the default here. Use the entry mode toggle if your report lists cumulative percent retained; the calculator converts between them, and warns you when the values run the wrong way down the stack or the top sieve does not read 100 passing.

Which specifications are included?

Aggregate gradation specs from KDOT, CDOT, NDOT, and ODOT, selected ASTM C33 gradations (fine aggregate and coarse sizes such as #57, #67, #8, and #467), and R&A golf green sand recommendations. Each spec shows the table and edition it was taken from, with a link to the source. You can also enter a custom spec. Target specs are for reference only, so always verify a blend against the official project specification.

What does the calculator check besides the sieve limits?

Where a spec has them, it checks the #200 to #40 ratio (KDOT AB-2 and AB-3, ODOT base types A, B, and C), fineness modulus (CDOT concrete sand, ASTM C33 fine aggregate), and the ASTM C33 limit on material retained between consecutive sieves. It also reports fineness modulus, D10, D30, D60, Cu, and Cc when the data allows. Requirements that need a lab, such as plasticity index, liquid limit, or crushed content, appear as a checklist and are never marked as passing. Values estimated between measured sieves are flagged and do not count as a clean pass.

Can I print or export the result?

Yes. Print produces a compact submittal with the spec, table and edition, the materials and proportions, the combined gradation with pass/fail, the rule checks, and the chart. Copy and Export CSV include the same details. The combined gradation is theoretical; verify it by testing (AASHTO T 27 / T 11).

About This Calculator

This calculator uses the standard weighted average formula for aggregate blending:

P_blend = f₁ × P₁ + f₂ × P₂ + ... + f_n × P_n

Where P_blend is the percent passing for each sieve, and f is the fraction (0-1) of each aggregate in the blend.

Terminology Reference

Sieve Analysis & Gradation

Sieve Analysis: A laboratory test that separates aggregate into size fractions using a stack of wire mesh screens with progressively smaller openings. The weight retained on each sieve determines the gradation.
Gradation: The distribution of particle sizes within an aggregate sample, typically expressed as percent passing or cumulative percent retained for each sieve size. Gradation directly affects workability, strength, and density.
Percent Passing: The percentage of aggregate (by weight) that passes through a given sieve opening. A value of 60% passing the #4 sieve means 60% of the material is smaller than 4.75mm.
Cumulative Percent Retained: The percentage of aggregate (by weight) retained on a given sieve and every coarser sieve. Cumulative Percent Retained = 100 - Percent Passing.
Well-Graded: An aggregate with a good representation of all particle sizes, creating a dense structure with minimal voids. Ideal for base courses and concrete where density and strength are critical.
Gap-Graded: An aggregate missing one or more intermediate size fractions. Used intentionally in stone matrix asphalt (SMA), where the gap grading builds stone-on-stone contact. Open-graded friction courses, not SMA, are the mixes designed for drainage.
Uniformly-Graded (Open-Graded): An aggregate where most particles are approximately the same size, creating high void content. Used for drainage applications and permeable pavements.

Physical Property Tests

Los Angeles Abrasion Test (AASHTO T96): Measures aggregate durability by tumbling it with steel balls in a rotating drum. The percent loss (material broken down to passing the #12 sieve) indicates wear resistance. Lower values mean harder, more durable aggregate. Typical spec: maximum 40-50% loss.
Aggregate Durability Index (AASHTO T210): Measures resistance to producing detrimental clay-like fines when agitated in water. Higher values indicate more durable aggregate with less clay content. Typical spec: minimum 35-40.
Fractured Faces (ASTM D5821): An angular, rough, or broken surface of an aggregate particle created by crushing, other artificial means, or by nature. A face must cover at least 25% of the particle's maximum cross-sectional area to qualify. Fractured faces provide better particle interlock than rounded surfaces, increasing shear strength. Specs typically require a percentage of particles to have 1 or 2+ fractured faces.
Specific Gravity: The ratio of aggregate density to water density. Used to calculate batch weights and determine if aggregate will float or sink. Typical values: 2.4-2.9 for most aggregates.
Absorption (ASTM C127/C128): The increase in aggregate mass due to water filling pore spaces, expressed as a percentage of dry weight. Affects concrete mix water requirements and freeze-thaw durability. Typical values: granite 0.3%, limestone 0.9-1.9%, sandstone 1.8%+. Most normal-weight aggregates: 0.2-2%.

Soil Plasticity Tests

Liquid Limit (LL) - AASHTO T89: The moisture content (percent by weight) at which soil transitions from a plastic state to a liquid state. Determined using the Casagrande cup method. High LL indicates soil that holds more water and has greater potential for swelling/shrinking. Typical base spec: maximum 25-35.
Plastic Limit (PL) - AASHTO T90: The moisture content at which soil transitions from a semi-solid to a plastic state. Determined by rolling soil into 1/8" diameter threads until they crumble. The difference between LL and PL defines the plastic range.
Plasticity Index (PI): Calculated as PI = LL - PL. Indicates the range of moisture content over which soil remains plastic. High PI means more clay content, which is problematic in base materials (swells when wet, shrinks when dry, pumps under traffic). Typical base spec: maximum 6-8.
Non-Plastic (NP): Material that cannot be rolled into threads at any moisture content, indicating minimal clay content. Desirable for drainage and base applications.

Aggregate Classifications

Coarse Aggregate: Material predominantly retained on the #4 sieve (larger than 4.75mm). Provides the structural skeleton in concrete and asphalt mixes. Includes crushed stone, gravel, and recycled concrete.
Fine Aggregate: Material predominantly passing the #4 sieve (smaller than 4.75mm). Fills voids between coarse particles and affects workability. Includes natural sand, manufactured sand, and stone screenings.
Natural Sand: Sand produced by natural weathering and erosion, typically from river deposits or beaches. Particles are rounded, which improves workability but reduces interlock compared to manufactured sand.
Manufactured Sand (M-Sand): Sand produced by crushing rock, creating angular particles with rough surfaces. Provides better interlock and higher strength but may reduce workability. Often blended with natural sand.
Aggregate Base Course (ABC): A well-graded mixture of coarse and fine aggregate used as a structural layer beneath pavement. Must meet gradation, plasticity, and durability requirements for load distribution and drainage.
Recycled Concrete Aggregate (RCA): Aggregate produced by crushing demolished concrete structures. Can substitute for virgin aggregate in many applications but may have higher absorption and variability.

Standard Sieve Sizes

US Standard	Metric Opening	Common Use
3"	75 mm	Large riprap, base rock
2"	50 mm	Large base aggregate
1-1/2"	37.5 mm	Base course top size
1"	25 mm	Coarse aggregate
3/4"	19 mm	Standard coarse aggregate
1/2"	12.5 mm	Medium coarse aggregate
3/8"	9.5 mm	Pea gravel size
#4	4.75 mm	Coarse/fine boundary
#8	2.36 mm	Coarse sand
#10	2.0 mm	Coarse/medium boundary
#16	1.18 mm	Medium sand
#30	600 μm	Medium sand
#40	425 μm	Medium/fine boundary
#50	300 μm	Fine sand
#100	150 μm	Fine sand
#200	75 μm	Sand / fines (silt and clay) boundary

Specification Sources

KDOT - Kansas Department of Transportation: State highway agency specifications for Kansas. Division 1100 covers aggregates for concrete, base, and other applications.
CDOT - Colorado Department of Transportation: State highway agency specifications for Colorado. Section 703 covers aggregate requirements for various applications.
NDOT - Nebraska Department of Transportation: State highway agency specifications for Nebraska. Includes a Class R combined aggregate gradation used with Class 47B concrete.
ODOT - Oklahoma Department of Transportation: State highway agency specifications for Oklahoma. Section 703 covers aggregate base Types A, B, C, and D with gradation and physical property requirements.
ASTM International: American Society for Testing and Materials. Develops voluntary consensus standards for materials, products, and services. ASTM C33 is the standard specification for concrete aggregates.
AASHTO: American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. Develops standards, specifications, and test methods used by state DOTs. AASHTO M43 defines standard aggregate sizes.

Target specifications are provided for reference only. Always verify blend compliance with official DOT or project specifications. Contact us through the contact form for custom aggregate solutions.