Understanding Cement Density – Complete 2026 Guide
Cement density is a fundamental physical property that represents the mass of cement per unit volume. For 2026 construction standards, it exists in three primary forms: specific gravity (absolute density) representing the true density of cement particles without voids; bulk density representing the mass per unit volume including inter-particle voids; and apparent density used in advanced mix design software. Understanding all three values is essential for accurate concrete mix design, volume calculations, and quality control under updated Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), ASTM C188, and EN 196-6 guidelines.
Specific gravity is the ratio of cement density to water density and typically ranges from 2.80 to 3.20 across different cement types in 2026. Bulk density, which includes voids between cement particles, ranges from approximately 1000 to 1900 kg/m³ depending on compaction state. These values are critical for converting between weight and volume, calculating absolute volumes in mix proportioning, and verifying cement quality — including newly standardized green cement and geopolymer cement types now widely adopted in 2026.
KEY CEMENT DENSITY DEFINITIONS (2026 Updated):
Specific Gravity = Density of Cement / Density of Water
(Water density = 1000 kg/m³ at 4°C)
Bulk Density (Loose) = Mass / Total Volume (with voids)
Standard OPC Value = 1440 kg/m³
Absolute Volume = Mass / (Specific Gravity × 1000)
Example: 50 kg OPC ÷ (3.15 × 1000) = 0.01587 m³
Void Content (%) = (1 − Bulk Density / (SG × 1000)) × 100
OPC Example: (1 − 1440/3150) × 100 ≈ 54.3%
2026 Update: New Cement Types Now Standardized
As of 2026, Geopolymer Cement (IS 17452:2022), Calcined Clay Cement / LC3, and Ultra-High Performance Cement (UHPC) are now included in international density reference tables. These emerging types have distinct density profiles and must not be confused with conventional OPC in mix design calculations.
Cement Density by Type – Complete 2026 Reference Table (All Grades)
Comprehensive density values for all major and emerging cement types used in construction in 2026, including specific gravity, bulk density ranges, and applicable international standards. Reference this table for concrete mix design, quality control, and material procurement.
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| Cement Type |
Specific Gravity |
Bulk Density (kg/m³) |
IS Standard |
ASTM / EN Reference |
| Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC 33) Common |
3.10 – 3.15 |
1440 |
IS 269:2015 |
ASTM C150 Type I |
| Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC 43) |
3.12 – 3.15 |
1440 |
IS 8112:2013 |
ASTM C150 Type I/II |
| Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC 53) Most Used |
3.15 – 3.16 |
1440 |
IS 12269:2013 |
ASTM C150 Type III |
| Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC – Fly Ash) |
2.90 – 3.05 |
1200 – 1350 |
IS 1489 Part 1:2015 |
EN 197-1 CEM II/B-V |
| Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC – Volcanic) |
2.85 – 3.00 |
1150 – 1300 |
IS 1489 Part 2:2015 |
EN 197-1 CEM II/B-P |
| Portland Slag Cement (PSC) Eco |
2.85 – 2.95 |
1250 – 1400 |
IS 455:2015 |
ASTM C595 Type IS |
| Rapid Hardening Cement (RHC) |
3.15 – 3.20 |
1440 – 1500 |
IS 8041:1990 |
ASTM C150 Type III |
| Low Heat Portland Cement (LHPC) |
3.10 – 3.15 |
1440 |
IS 12600:1989 |
ASTM C150 Type IV |
| Sulphate Resisting Cement (SRC) |
3.10 – 3.15 |
1440 |
IS 12330:1988 |
ASTM C150 Type V |
| White Portland Cement |
3.00 – 3.08 |
1200 – 1300 |
IS 8042:2015 |
EN 197-1 CEM I (White) |
| Oil Well Cement (OWC) |
3.12 – 3.16 |
1440 |
IS 8229:2005 |
API Spec 10A |
| Composite Cement (CC) |
2.80 – 3.10 |
1200 – 1440 |
IS 16415:2015 |
EN 197-1 CEM V |
| Masonry Cement |
2.70 – 2.90 |
1100 – 1300 |
IS 3466:1988 |
ASTM C91 |
| Expansive Cement |
3.05 – 3.15 |
1350 – 1450 |
IS 6452:1989 |
ASTM C845 |
| High Alumina Cement (HAC) |
3.00 – 3.25 |
1300 – 1500 |
IS 6452:1989 |
ASTM C1600 |
| Geopolymer Cement 2026 New |
2.55 – 2.75 |
1000 – 1200 |
IS 17452:2022 |
ASTM C1709 |
| Limestone Calcined Clay Cement (LC3) 2026 New |
2.70 – 2.85 |
1100 – 1280 |
Under Development |
EN 197-5 CEM II/C-M |
| Ultra-High Performance Cement (UHPC) Advanced |
3.15 – 3.30 |
1500 – 1700 |
CPWD 2023 Spec. |
ASTM C1856 / NF P18-470 |
| Supplementary Cementitious Material (SCM) Blend Eco |
2.60 – 3.00 |
1050 – 1350 |
IS 3812 / IS 16714 |
ASTM C618 / C1240 |
Standard Specifications – IS 4031 Part 11:1988 & 2026 Updates
Typical OPC Value Used in Calculations: 3.15 (standard reference)
Acceptable Range for Quality Cement: 3.10 to 3.16
Warning Sign: Specific gravity > 3.19 indicates improper grinding, adulteration, or excess moisture
Geopolymer Lower Values: Due to GGBS/fly ash binders replacing Portland clinker
UHPC Higher Values: Dense packing of ultra-fine particles and silica fume addition
For complete IS standards library, refer to BIS Official Website. For ASTM standards, visit ASTM International.
Bulk Density of Cement in Different Conditions – 2026 Reference Values
Bulk density varies significantly based on packing conditions, cement handling method, moisture exposure, and storage duration. Understanding these 2026 reference values is crucial for silo design, volume-based batching, transport calculations, and storage planning. Refer to ASTM C29 for standardized bulk density testing methods.
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| Condition |
Bulk Density (kg/m³) |
Bulk Density (lb/ft³) |
g/cm³ |
Remarks |
| Aerated / Freshly Pneumatic Conveyed |
900 – 1100 |
56 – 69 |
0.90 – 1.10 |
Lowest density; maximum voids after pneumatic transfer |
| Loose – Freshly Poured (No Settling) |
1100 – 1200 |
69 – 75 |
1.10 – 1.20 |
Immediately after pouring into silo or bag |
| Loose – Settled (Standard Reference) IS Default |
1440 |
90 |
1.44 |
Normal storage; IS 4031 standard reference value |
| Compacted – Vibrated |
1550 – 1650 |
97 – 103 |
1.55 – 1.65 |
After vibration or mechanical shaking |
| Highly Compacted – Mechanical |
1700 – 1900 |
106 – 119 |
1.70 – 1.90 |
Heavy mechanical compaction; reduced voids |
| Wet / Lumpy Cement (Compromised) |
1800 – 2000 |
112 – 125 |
1.80 – 2.00 |
Moisture absorption; cement unusable if lumped |
Factors Affecting Bulk Density of Cement – 2026 Analysis
- Particle Size Distribution (Blaine Fineness): Finer cement (higher m²/kg) has lower bulk density due to increased inter-particle voids; OPC 53 is finer than OPC 33
- Moisture Content: Even 0.5–1.0% moisture causes clumping, irregularly increasing apparent bulk density and reducing cement reactivity
- Storage Duration: Extended silo storage causes gradual settlement; bulk density can increase 5–10% over 30 days
- Handling Method: Pneumatic conveying creates highly aerated cement (900–1100 kg/m³); screw conveyors produce denser flow
- Temperature: Cement stored in high-temperature environments (>40°C) may partially pre-hydrate, altering density
- Cement Type: Geopolymer cement has naturally lower bulk density (1000–1200 kg/m³) vs OPC due to different mineralogy
- Admixture Pre-blending: Some 2026 pre-blended cements include dry superplasticizers, slightly reducing overall bulk density
OPC 33 vs OPC 43 vs OPC 53 – Cement Density & Properties Comparison 2026
Detailed comparison of the three main Ordinary Portland Cement grades used in India and globally. Density, fineness, strength and workability differ across grades, impacting mix design outcomes. For OPC specifications, refer to IS standards and Portland Cement Association resources.
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| Property |
OPC 33 Grade |
OPC 43 Grade |
OPC 53 Grade |
| Specific Gravity |
3.10 – 3.12 |
3.12 – 3.15 |
3.15 – 3.16 |
| Bulk Density (kg/m³) |
1440 |
1440 |
1440 |
| Absolute Volume (50 kg bag, m³) |
0.01603 |
0.01590 |
0.01587 |
| Blaine Fineness (m²/kg) |
< 300 |
300 – 320 |
> 320 |
| 3-Day Strength (MPa) |
≥ 10 |
≥ 16 |
≥ 27 |
| 7-Day Strength (MPa) |
≥ 16 |
≥ 23 |
≥ 37 |
| 28-Day Strength (MPa) |
≥ 33 |
≥ 43 |
≥ 53 |
| Initial Setting Time (min) |
≥ 30 |
≥ 30 |
≥ 30 |
| Final Setting Time (min) |
≤ 600 |
≤ 600 |
≤ 600 |
| Soundness (Le Chatelier, mm) |
≤ 10 |
≤ 10 |
≤ 10 |
| Water-Cement Ratio (Typical) |
0.50 – 0.60 |
0.42 – 0.50 |
0.38 – 0.45 |
| Heat of Hydration (kJ/kg) |
330 – 360 |
350 – 380 |
370 – 420 |
| CO₂ Emission (kg/ton) |
~820 |
~830 |
~850 |
| Typical Applications 2026 |
Plastering, masonry, low-load structures |
General RCC, slabs, beams, columns |
High-rise, prestressed, fast-track projects |
Geopolymer & LC3 Cement Density – New 2026 Standard Data
As of 2026, geopolymer cement and Limestone Calcined Clay Cement (LC3) are being widely adopted globally due to their significantly lower carbon footprint — up to 40–80% less CO₂ than OPC. Their distinct density profiles require updated mix design approaches. Reference: IEA Cement Technology Roadmap 2026.
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| Property |
Geopolymer Cement |
LC3 Cement |
UHPC |
OPC 53 (Reference) |
| Specific Gravity |
2.55 – 2.75 |
2.70 – 2.85 |
3.15 – 3.30 |
3.15 – 3.16 |
| Bulk Density (kg/m³) |
1000 – 1200 |
1100 – 1280 |
1500 – 1700 |
1440 |
| 28-Day Strength (MPa) |
30 – 90 |
35 – 55 |
150 – 250 |
≥ 53 |
| CO₂ vs OPC |
−40% to −80% |
−30% to −40% |
Higher (dense mix) |
Baseline |
| Key Binder Materials |
GGBS, Fly Ash + NaOH/Na₂SiO₃ |
Limestone + Calcined Clay (Metakaolin) |
OPC + Silica Fume + Steel Fibers |
Portland Clinker |
| Curing Method |
Heat curing or ambient (alkali-activated) |
Standard water curing |
Steam + pressure curing |
Water curing |
| Standard Reference |
IS 17452:2022 / ASTM C1709 |
EN 197-5 CEM II/C-M |
NF P18-470 / ASTM C1856 |
IS 12269:2013 |
| Mix Design Approach |
Paste volume method |
Modified ACI / IS 10262 |
Proprietary / AFGC method |
IS 10262 / ACI 211.1 |
Critical Note for Mix Design Using 2026 Green Cements
Do Not Substitute Directly: Geopolymer cement has ~18% lower specific gravity than OPC 53. Using OPC specific gravity (3.15) for geopolymer (2.65) in absolute volume calculations causes a ~15% error in concrete volume, leading to under-designed mixes.
Activator Volume: Geopolymer mixes require alkali activator solution (typically 10–15% of binder weight) which must also be accounted for in absolute volume calculations.
LC3 Workability: LC3 cement has higher water demand than OPC due to calcined clay particle shape; use plasticizer dosage adjustments and updated w/b ratios per EN 206 or IS 456:2000 (2026 reprint).
Cement Density Practical Calculations – 2026 Mix Design Examples
Cement Bag Volume Calculations (50 kg Standard Bag)
Standard 50 kg OPC 53 Cement Bag:
Absolute Volume = 50 kg ÷ (3.15 × 1000 kg/m³)
= 0.01587 m³ = 15.87 liters
Bulk Volume (Loose) = 50 kg ÷ 1440 kg/m³
= 0.03472 m³ = 34.72 liters
For PPC (SG = 2.97):
Absolute Volume = 50 ÷ (2.97 × 1000) = 0.01684 m³
For Geopolymer (SG = 2.65):
Absolute Volume = 50 ÷ (2.65 × 1000) = 0.01887 m³
Number of Cement Bags Per Cubic Meter of Concrete (2026)
M20 Grade (300 kg cement/m³ design):
Bags Required = 300 ÷ 50 = 6 bags per m³
Absolute Volume of cement = 300 ÷ 3150 = 0.0952 m³
M25 Grade (360 kg cement/m³ design):
Bags Required = 360 ÷ 50 = 7.2 bags per m³
Absolute Volume = 360 ÷ 3150 = 0.1143 m³
M30 Grade (400 kg cement/m³ design):
Bags Required = 400 ÷ 50 = 8 bags per m³
Absolute Volume = 400 ÷ 3150 = 0.1270 m³
Weight-to-Volume Conversion Reference Table – All Cement Types
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| Cement Weight |
OPC Absolute Vol. (m³) |
PPC Absolute Vol. (m³) |
Geopolymer Abs. Vol. (m³) |
Bulk Vol. OPC (m³) |
| 50 kg (1 bag) |
0.01587 |
0.01684 |
0.01887 |
0.03472 |
| 100 kg (2 bags) |
0.03175 |
0.03367 |
0.03774 |
0.06944 |
| 200 kg (4 bags) |
0.06349 |
0.06734 |
0.07547 |
0.13889 |
| 300 kg (6 bags) |
0.09524 |
0.10101 |
0.11321 |
0.20833 |
| 360 kg (7.2 bags) |
0.11429 |
0.12121 |
0.13585 |
0.25000 |
| 400 kg (8 bags) |
0.12698 |
0.13468 |
0.15094 |
0.27778 |
| 450 kg (9 bags) |
0.14286 |
0.15152 |
0.16981 |
0.31250 |
| 500 kg (10 bags) |
0.15873 |
0.16835 |
0.18868 |
0.34722 |
IS 10262:2019 – Absolute Volume Mix Design Formula:
Volume of concrete = Vol(cement) + Vol(water) + Vol(FA) + Vol(CA) + Vol(air)
1 m³ = [C/(SG_c × 1000)] + [W/1000] + [FA/(SG_fa × 1000)] + [CA/(SG_ca × 1000)] + Air%
Where: C = cement content (kg), W = water (litre), FA/CA = fine/coarse aggregate (kg)
Specific Gravity of All Cement Types – Quick Reference Chart 2026
Use this quick reference chart during site quality checks, lab testing, and mix design verification. Values align with ASTM C188-17 and IS 4031 Part 11:1988 testing procedures.
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| Cement Type |
Min SG |
Typical SG |
Max SG |
Density (kg/m³) |
| Geopolymer Cement |
2.55 |
2.65 |
2.75 |
2550 – 2750 |
| LC3 / Calcined Clay Cement |
2.70 |
2.78 |
2.85 |
2700 – 2850 |
| Masonry Cement |
2.70 |
2.80 |
2.90 |
2700 – 2900 |
| Portland Slag Cement (PSC) |
2.85 |
2.90 |
2.95 |
2850 – 2950 |
| PPC (Volcanic / Natural Pozzolan) |
2.85 |
2.92 |
3.00 |
2850 – 3000 |
| PPC (Fly Ash Based) |
2.90 |
2.97 |
3.05 |
2900 – 3050 |
| White Portland Cement |
3.00 |
3.04 |
3.08 |
3000 – 3080 |
| High Alumina Cement (HAC) |
3.00 |
3.12 |
3.25 |
3000 – 3250 |
| OPC 33 Grade |
3.10 |
3.12 |
3.15 |
3100 – 3150 |
| Low Heat Portland Cement |
3.10 |
3.12 |
3.15 |
3100 – 3150 |
| Sulphate Resisting Cement (SRC) |
3.10 |
3.12 |
3.15 |
3100 – 3150 |
| OPC 43 Grade |
3.12 |
3.14 |
3.15 |
3120 – 3150 |
| Oil Well Cement |
3.12 |
3.14 |
3.16 |
3120 – 3160 |
| OPC 53 Grade |
3.15 |
3.15 |
3.16 |
3150 – 3160 |
| Rapid Hardening Cement (RHC) |
3.15 |
3.17 |
3.20 |
3150 – 3200 |
| UHPC (Ultra-High Performance) |
3.15 |
3.22 |
3.30 |
3150 – 3300 |
Quality Control & Testing for Cement Specific Gravity – IS 4031 & ASTM C188 Methods 2026
Specific Gravity Test Using Le Chatelier Flask (IS 4031 Part 11:1988)
- Equipment Required: Le Chatelier flask (250 ml), kerosene (pure, water-free), cement sample (64 g), analytical weighing balance (0.001 g accuracy)
- Preparation: Dry flask thoroughly; fill with kerosene between 0 and 1 ml mark at 27°C ± 2°C
- Initial Reading (V₁): Record exact kerosene level; note temperature
- Adding Cement: Carefully add 64g cement in small increments, rotate gently to release air bubbles; avoid spillage
- Settling: Place flask in water bath at 27°C for 30 minutes to eliminate temperature effects
- Final Reading (V₂): Record new kerosene level after complete settling
- Calculation: Specific Gravity = 64 / (V₂ − V₁) where volumes are in ml (= cm³)
- Repeatability: Perform minimum two tests; report average; results should not differ by more than 0.03
Why Kerosene is Used Instead of Water in Specific Gravity Test
Reason 1 – No Chemical Reaction: Cement reacts with water (hydration begins within seconds), expanding and invalidating all test results
Reason 2 – Chemical Inertness: Kerosene is chemically inert to cement and does not cause any surface reactions or false volume readings
Reason 3 – Air Release: Lower surface tension of kerosene allows trapped air bubbles to escape more readily, giving accurate volume displacement
Reason 4 – Standard Compliance: Both IS 4031 Part 11 and ASTM C188 specify non-reactive liquid; kerosene meets this requirement
2026 Alternative: Naphtha or white spirit can be used where kerosene is unavailable; ensure SG of solvent is accurately measured and accounted for
Reference: ASTM C188 – Standard Test Method for Density of Hydraulic Cement
Bulk Density Test for Cement (IS 1199 / ASTM C29)
- Container: Use calibrated metal container of known volume (typically 1 litre for cement); weigh empty container (W₁)
- Standardized Filling: Pour cement freely from a height of exactly 150 mm above the container top to simulate loose condition
- Strike Off: Level surface with straight edge in single pass; no tamping, vibration, or compaction
- Weighing: Weigh filled container accurately (W₂); record to nearest 0.5g
- Calculation: Bulk Density (kg/m³) = (W₂ − W₁) / Volume of Container
- Compacted Test: Repeat filling in 3 layers with 25 tamping strokes each for compacted bulk density
- Reporting: Report both loose and compacted values; state cement type and test date
Cement Density Test Acceptance Criteria – 2026 Standards
- OPC 53 Specific Gravity: Must be between 3.10 and 3.19; values outside this range trigger rejection per IS 12269:2013
- PPC Specific Gravity: Acceptable range 2.85 to 3.10 depending on fly ash content (IS 1489:2015)
- PSC Specific Gravity: Acceptable range 2.80 to 2.98 per IS 455:2015
- Bulk Density Tolerance: ±50 kg/m³ from declared value for bagged cement
- Test Frequency: Minimum once per 200 tonnes or per lot as per IS 4031 Part 11
- Third-Party Verification: NABL-accredited labs required for government projects per 2024 CPWD circular
Cement Density in IS 10262:2019 Concrete Mix Design – Step-by-Step 2026
The IS 10262:2019 (Reaffirmed 2024) concrete mix design method requires accurate cement density (specific gravity) as a primary input for the absolute volume method. Errors in this value directly propagate to all aggregate quantity calculations.
Absolute Volume Method – Step-by-Step Example (M25 Grade, OPC 53)
Given: Cement content = 360 kg/m³, w/c = 0.45
SG Cement = 3.15, SG Fine Aggregate = 2.65
SG Coarse Aggregate = 2.70, Air = 1%
Step 1: Volume of Cement
= 360 / (3.15 × 1000) = 0.1143 m³
Step 2: Volume of Water
= 360 × 0.45 / 1000 = 0.1620 m³
Step 3: Volume of Air
= 0.01 m³
Step 4: Volume of Aggregates
= 1.000 − 0.1143 − 0.1620 − 0.01 = 0.7137 m³
Step 5: Divide FA:CA per zone/particle size requirements
(Typically 35–45% FA by volume for M25)
Effect of Using Wrong Specific Gravity in Mix Design
Scenario: Using SG = 3.10 instead of 3.15 for OPC 53
Volume Error: 360/(3.10×1000) = 0.1161 m³ vs correct 0.1143 m³ → 0.0018 m³ over-estimate
Impact: ~1.8 litres extra volume attributed to cement → less aggregate → weaker concrete with reduced compressive strength by 2–5 MPa
For Geopolymer: Using OPC SG (3.15) for geopolymer (SG 2.65) → 19% under-estimate of cement volume → severely under-designed mix; concrete may not achieve target strength
Importance of Cement Density in 2026 Construction – Mix Design, Storage & Cost
Critical Applications of Cement Density in 2026 Construction Projects
- Absolute Volume Mix Design (IS 10262 / ACI 211.1): Primary use — calculates exact volumes of all concrete ingredients; any error cascades to all other quantities
- Concrete Yield Calculations: Determines actual concrete volume per batch; critical for large-pour scheduling and RMC plant calibration
- Quality Verification at Site: Quick specific gravity check detects adulteration, moisture damage, pre-hydration, and wrong cement type delivery
- Silo & Storage Capacity Planning: Bulk density determines exact silo size, screw conveyor capacity, and pneumatic system pressures
- Weight-to-Volume Batching: Enables conversion between volumetric and weight batching plants; ensures consistent dosing
- Project Cost Estimation: Accurate absolute volume → correct material quantities → reliable BOQ and tender estimates
- BIM & Digital Twin Integration (2026): Revit, Tekla, and construction management software now auto-import cement density data for 4D scheduling and material tracking
- Sustainability Metrics: Correct density enables accurate CO₂ per m³ calculations for green building ratings (LEED, GRIHA, IGBC)
Impact of Incorrect Cement Density Values – Risk Assessment 2026
Consequences of Using Wrong Density in Construction Projects
Underestimated Specific Gravity: Calculated cement volume is higher than actual → less cement actually used → reduced concrete compressive strength; structural failure risk in critical elements
Overestimated Specific Gravity: Excessive cement content in design → higher heat of hydration → thermal cracking in mass concrete; increased project cost by 5–12%
Wrong Bulk Density: Inaccurate silo sizing → spillage or under-storage; volumetric batching errors → inconsistent batch-to-batch concrete quality
OPC Used Instead of PPC Values: PPC has 6–8% lower specific gravity; substituting OPC SG causes systematic under-estimation of cement volume across entire project
Geopolymer/LC3 Errors (New 2026 Risk): These green cements have 15–19% lower SG than OPC; using OPC values for mix design leads to catastrophically incorrect aggregate proportions
Cement Density in Green Building Ratings – 2026 Compliance
Under the updated IGBC Green Homes v3 and GRIHA v2025 rating systems, embodied carbon calculations require precise cement density inputs. The formula for CO₂ per cubic meter of concrete uses cement absolute volume directly:
Embodied CO₂ (kg/m³ concrete) = Cement Content (kg/m³) × EF (kg CO₂/kg cement)
OPC 53 Emission Factor (EF): ~0.83 – 0.85 kg CO₂/kg
PPC EF: ~0.60 – 0.70 kg CO₂/kg
PSC EF: ~0.50 – 0.60 kg CO₂/kg
Geopolymer EF: ~0.15 – 0.40 kg CO₂/kg
LC3 EF: ~0.45 – 0.55 kg CO₂/kg
Example M25 with OPC 53 (360 kg/m³):
CO₂ = 360 × 0.84 = 302.4 kg CO₂ per m³ concrete
Frequently Asked Questions – Cement Density 2026
Q: What is the density of cement in kg/m³?
Absolute density (specific gravity × 1000): OPC = 3100–3160 kg/m³. Bulk density (including voids): 1440 kg/m³ (loose, standard). These are different values for different purposes.
Q: What is the specific gravity of cement?
OPC 53: 3.15. OPC 43: 3.12–3.15. PPC: 2.90–3.05. PSC: 2.85–2.95. Geopolymer: 2.55–2.75. Always test using IS 4031 Part 11 for project use.
Q: What is the density of 1 bag of cement (50 kg)?
Absolute volume = 50 ÷ (3.15 × 1000) = 0.01587 m³ = 15.87 litres. Bulk volume (loose) = 50 ÷ 1440 = 0.03472 m³ = 34.72 litres.
Q: Does cement type affect specific gravity?
Yes significantly. OPC has SG 3.10–3.16; Geopolymer cement has SG 2.55–2.75 (18% lower). Always use type-specific values in mix design — never assume OPC values for blended or green cements.
Q: Where can I find the official IS standards for cement testing?
Visit BIS India (bis.gov.in) for IS 4031, IS 269, IS 8112, IS 12269, IS 1489, and related cement standards. ASTM standards available at ASTM International (astm.org).
