Free calculator
Sieve analysis calculator with fineness modulus
Pick a fine aggregate, coarse aggregate or soil preset, edit the sieves if you need to, and enter the total dry mass and the mass retained on each sieve. The calculator builds the gradation table and chart, and gives the fineness modulus when the sieve set allows it.
By ProofGrit Editorial TeamLast reviewed:
Results update as you typeUnits: g, in, %Runs in your browser. Nothing is saved.
Key takeaways
- Enter the pan so retained masses account for the total.
- Fineness modulus is shown only when the full 2:1 series is present.
- Percent passing feeds D10, D30 and D60 for USCS classification.
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How it's calculated
How is the result calculated?
% retained = mass retained ÷ total dry mass × 100; cumulative = running sum; % passing = 100 − cumulative; FM = Σ cumulative % on the standard series ÷ 100.
- 01% retained = mass retained ÷ total dry mass × 100
- 02Cumulative % retained = running sum from the largest sieve down
- 03% passing = 100 − cumulative % retained
- 04Fineness modulus = sum of cumulative % retained on 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, ÷ 100
Rounding: densities to 0.1 pcf, moisture and compaction to 0.1 %. Full precision is kept between steps, and pass/fail uses the displayed value.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the sieve analysis calculator
When is fineness modulus shown?
Only when the sieve set includes No. 100 through No. 4 and every coarser sieve in the 2:1 series up to the largest sieve used. Otherwise the sum would be incomplete, so the calculator shows no value.
Can I add or change sieves?
Yes. Every label, opening and mass is editable, and you can add or remove sieves. If you change the opening of a named sieve, it is treated as a custom sieve.
Why is the chart on a log scale?
Sieve openings span several orders of magnitude. A logarithmic axis spreads them out so the shape of the gradation curve is readable.
What if my masses do not add up to the total?
The calculator shows the unaccounted mass and a warning. A small loss is common; a large one is worth checking before you report.
Is the pan included?
Yes, enter the pan mass so that retained masses account for the total. The pan is not plotted because it has no opening.
Related guides and pages
- CMT lab accreditation: AASHTO R18, ISO/IEC 17025 and recordsWhat AASHTO re:source accreditation, AASHTO R18 and ISO/IEC 17025 mean for a small CMT lab, and the records your lab and its software need to keep.
- The Proctor test: how it works and how to read the curveWhat a Proctor test measures, how each compaction point is calculated, how the curve gives MDD and OMC, and how the zero air voids line keeps you honest.
- Soil testing softwareHow ProofGrit handles this test in the lab.
- Standards indexEvery standard explained on this site, with plain-English purpose.
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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
- AASHTO re:sourceAASHTO re:source
Standards are summarized in our own words. Read the current edition from the publisher before you test.
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