Enter sieve analysis inputs
Example data table
| Sieve | Opening (mm) | Mass Retained (g) | % Retained | % Passing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 37.5 mm | 37.500 | 18 | 2.57 | 97.43 |
| 19 mm | 19.000 | 72 | 10.29 | 87.14 |
| 9.5 mm | 9.500 | 126 | 18.00 | 69.14 |
| 4.75 mm | 4.750 | 168 | 24.00 | 45.14 |
| 2 mm | 2.000 | 144 | 20.57 | 24.57 |
| 0.425 mm | 0.425 | 96 | 13.71 | 10.86 |
Formula used
Percent retained = (mass retained on sieve ÷ total sample mass) × 100.
Cumulative percent retained = running total of retained percentages from the coarsest sieve downward.
Percent passing = 100 − cumulative percent retained.
Mean particle size = Σ(opening size × retained mass) ÷ Σ(retained mass).
D10, D30, D50, D60 are interpolated particle diameters at 10%, 30%, 50%, and 60% passing.
Uniformity coefficient Cu = D60 ÷ D10.
Coefficient of curvature Cc = (D30²) ÷ (D10 × D60).
Fineness modulus = sum of cumulative percentages on standard sieves ÷ 100.
How to use this calculator
Enter sample details, then type the total dry mass used for the sieve test. Keep units consistent in grams and millimeters.
Fill each sieve row with its nominal opening and the mass retained on that sieve. Include a pan row for material passing the finest sieve.
Submit the form to generate retained percentages, cumulative values, percent passing, characteristic diameters, and gradation indicators.
Review mass recovery to confirm laboratory balance quality. Export the results to CSV for spreadsheets or PDF for reporting records.
Frequently asked questions
1. What does this calculator evaluate?
It evaluates sieve test data to estimate particle distribution, percent passing, key diameters, fineness modulus, and basic gradation quality indicators.
2. Is it suitable for soils and aggregates?
Yes. It works well for many dry sieve analyses involving coarse soils, sands, gravels, crushed stone, and similar particulate engineering materials.
3. Why is mass recovery important?
Mass recovery checks whether retained masses closely match the original sample mass. Large differences may indicate weighing loss, moisture, or handling error.
4. What are D10 and D60 used for?
They help describe characteristic particle sizes and are commonly used to compute uniformity and curvature coefficients for gradation interpretation.
5. Does the calculator draw a gradation curve?
No. This version focuses on numeric analysis and exportable tabular results. The percent passing data can be plotted externally if needed.
6. Can I change sieve sizes?
Yes. Each sieve row is editable, so you can adapt the openings and labels to local standards or project-specific laboratory procedures.
7. When might D-values be unavailable?
They may be unresolved when the entered percent passing range never crosses the requested percentage, or when the dataset is incomplete.
8. Is wet sieving included here?
Not directly. You can still enter final retained masses after wet preparation, but the calculator does not model wash steps separately.