Sieve analysis separates a dry sample into particle-size fractions using a stack of sieves. The retained masses are converted to percentages and plotted as a gradation curve. Aggregate and soil methods have different scopes and procedures: ASTM C136 addresses fine and coarse aggregates, while ASTM D6913 addresses soil particle-size distribution by sieving. Use the method specified for the material and project.
What does sieve analysis measure?
A sieve analysis shows how much of a sample is retained at each opening and how much passes through. The results describe particle-size distribution and support aggregate grading checks, soil classification and selection of additional tests. They do not directly measure strength, durability or field compaction. The applicable acceptance limits come from the specification and are not reproduced here.
The output is a table of measured masses and calculated percentages plus a gradation curve. A curve makes it easier to see whether material is concentrated in a narrow range, broadly distributed or missing intermediate sizes. Interpret it with the material type, test method and project criteria rather than treating the curve shape as a standalone pass/fail label.
How should the sample and sieve stack be prepared?
Start with a representative sample and prepare it according to the current method. Confirm whether the test is for aggregate or soil, select the correct sieve series and verify the equipment identifiers. Drying, washing and sample reduction requirements depend on the method and material; use the current ASTM procedure rather than assuming one preparation sequence fits every specimen.
Record the initial dry mass and the retained mass on every sieve, including the pan when used. Keep the sieve labels, openings, order and test condition with the worksheet. If particles are lost, sieves are overloaded or material is retained in a brush, the mass balance may be affected. Document the issue and follow the lab's method for validity.
How are retained and passing percentages calculated?
Percent retained on a sieve is the mass retained divided by total dry mass, multiplied by 100. Cumulative percent retained is the running sum from the coarsest sieve toward the pan. Percent passing is 100 minus cumulative percent retained. Use unrounded calculations for the running totals and show any mass-balance issue for review.
A shared sieve-analysis example begins with 500 g dry mass and retained masses distributed across the fine aggregate sieve set. The function calculates each sieve's retained, cumulative retained and passing percentages. Keeping the mass table alongside the plotted curve makes the result auditable; do not copy percentages from a graph when the underlying mass entries are the controlled source.
How should the gradation curve be read?
Plot percent passing against sieve opening on a logarithmic horizontal axis. Larger openings appear toward the coarse end and smaller openings toward the fine end. The curve gives a visual summary of the measured distribution. If a required diameter such as D10, D30 or D60 is not bracketed by observations, do not extrapolate it from the curve.
For soil classification, the curve may provide D-values and percent passing at key sieves, but USCS also uses other information such as Atterberg limits. For aggregate, compare the measured values with the grading requirements in the project's current specification. A calculator can organize data and interpolate within measured bounds; it cannot supply a missing test or determine contractual acceptance.
What is fineness modulus?
Fineness modulus is a summary calculated from the sum of cumulative percentages retained on the specified sieve series divided by 100. The series for the common aggregate calculation includes No. 100, 50, 30, 16, 8, 4, 3/8 in, 3/4 in, 1-1/2 in and larger sieves in the 2:1 series. Use it only when the sieve set supports the calculation.
It is a single index and does not replace the full grading table. Two samples can have similar fineness modulus values yet different distributions at individual sieves. Report the full percent-passing values where the specification requires them, and identify the sieve series used so the index can be reproduced.
How can sieve data support USCS classification?
For soil, percent passing the No. 200 sieve helps determine whether the material is coarse- or fine-grained under the classification rule. The No. 4 sieve helps divide gravel from sand in the coarse fraction. Coefficient calculations use D10, D30 and D60 when the gradation provides measured support for those diameters.
Keep the source data and classification decision together. Do not use an aggregate C136 result as though it automatically fulfilled a soil D6913 procedure, or vice versa. The methods have different scopes and sample preparation details. If the project requires hydrometer analysis or another complementary test, a sieve curve alone is not a complete particle-size distribution.
What formulas are used?
- 01% retained = mass retained ÷ total dry mass × 100
- 02Cumulative % retained = running sum of % retained
- 03% passing = 100 − cumulative % retained
- 04Fineness modulus = sum of cumulative retained percentages on the specified series ÷ 100
What does a worked example look like?
Inputs
A 500 g dry fine-aggregate sample has measured masses retained on the selected sieve series.
Result
The shared sieve function calculates 98.0% passing the No. 4 sieve and a fineness modulus of 2.89 from the supplied mass set.
Calculated by the same tested functions as the ProofGrit free calculators.
How should a mass-balance problem be investigated?
Compare the starting dry mass with the sum of the retained masses and check entries for unit, decimal or transcription mistakes. Confirm that the pan and all required sieves were included and that material was not lost during handling. Preserve the original worksheet while the discrepancy is investigated.
Follow the current method's acceptance and correction rules. Do not distribute an unexplained difference across sieves to force a tidy total. If the test must be repeated, identify the new sample and run clearly. A reviewer should be able to see the measured masses, calculations and reason for any amended result.
What are common sieve-analysis mistakes?
Common errors include reversing sieve order, using the wrong total dry mass, summing cumulative values incorrectly, mixing sieve-opening units, using the wrong method for aggregate versus soil, and reporting a fineness modulus from an incomplete series. Rounding each row before calculating later rows can also accumulate error.
Use a controlled sieve preset that can be edited only with a recorded reason, verify the sieve labels and units, and calculate from full precision. Show missing or unsupported values rather than estimating them. Compare the printed table with the curve before review so a chart-generation issue is not mistaken for a material change.
Which standards cover sieve analysis?
ASTM C136/C136M covers sieve analysis of fine and coarse aggregates. ASTM D6913/D6913M addresses particle-size distribution of soils by sieving. The required method depends on the material and contract; a soil classification may also need Atterberg limits or other testing.
The standards index links to the verified catalog pages and the USCS guide. Check the current edition and project requirements for sample preparation, washing and reporting details.
See the standards index for every standard covered on this site.
Frequently asked questions
What does sieve analysis show?
It shows the distribution of sample mass across sieve sizes as retained and passing percentages.
What is the difference between C136 and D6913?
C136 addresses fine and coarse aggregate; D6913 addresses soil particle-size distribution by sieving.
What does percent passing mean?
The percentage of total dry sample mass that passes a given sieve opening.
What is fineness modulus?
A summary index from cumulative retained percentages on a specified sieve series.
Can D-values be extrapolated beyond the curve?
No. Do not report a D-value unless the measured gradation brackets the target percent passing.
How ProofGrit helps
ProofGrit's sieve workflow stores sieve masses, calculates retained and passing percentages and plots the gradation. Soil classification can use the supported gradation information without retyping every point.
Related guides and tools
- Construction materials testing: a practical lab guideA practical overview of construction materials testing: how field observations, laboratory methods, calculations and reviewed reports fit together.
- Unified Soil Classification System (USCS) guideHow ASTM D2487 uses gradation and plasticity to classify soil, what USCS group symbols mean, and where judgment and full charts matter.
- Soil compaction testing: field and lab guideHow laboratory Proctor references, field density tests and project acceptance work together in soil compaction testing.
- Fresh concrete tests: slump, air, temperature and unit weightA plain-English tour of fresh concrete tests: sampling, slump, air content, temperature and unit weight, and why the field sheet matters later.
- Sieve analysis calculatorPercent retained, cumulative retained and percent passing for each sieve, a log-scale gradation chart and fineness modulus.
- USCS classification calculatorGroup symbol, basic group name and the decision path from gradation and Atterberg limits, with a plasticity chart.
- Standards indexEvery ASTM, AASHTO and ACI standard explained on this site.
- All soil testing guidesBrowse the full guide library by topic.
Sources and further reading
- ASTM C136/C136M, sieve analysis of fine and coarse aggregatesASTM International
- ASTM D6913/D6913M, particle-size distribution of soils by sieve analysisASTM International
- ASTM D2487, classification of soils for engineering purposes (USCS)ASTM International
- FHWA pavement programFederal Highway Administration
Standards are summarized in our own words. Read the current edition from the publisher before you test.
This guide is a plain-English summary. Always follow the current standard and your project specifications.