Professional Aircrete Mix & Volume Calculator
Results for Your Project
To create this foam solution, you will need approximately 0 oz of foaming agent (concentrate).
Understanding Aircrete: The Ultimate Building Material Mix
Aircrete, also known as foamed concrete or aerated concrete, is a revolutionary DIY-friendly building material. It is created by introducing tiny air bubbles into a cement paste, resulting in a lightweight, fireproof, and rot-proof material that provides excellent thermal insulation. Unlike traditional concrete, aircrete can be cut with a handsaw and joined with thin-set mortar.
The Standard Aircrete Mix Ratio
The most common "recipe" for high-quality aircrete used in domes and structural walls is based on a single 94lb bag of Portland Cement (Type I/II). The physics of the mix depends on achieving a specific density, usually around 45 lbs per cubic foot.
- Portland Cement: 1 Bag (94 lbs)
- Water: 6 Gallons (for the cement slurry)
- Pre-formed Foam: ~5-6 Cubic Feet (roughly 40-45 gallons of foam volume)
How to Calculate Aircrete Needs
Calculating aircrete is different from standard concrete because of the expansion factor. One bag of cement typically yields about 6.5 to 7 cubic feet of finished aircrete. Our calculator uses a standard 6.5 cu. ft. yield per bag to ensure you have enough material even with slight variations in foam density.
Step-by-Step Calculation:
- Calculate Cubic Footage: Multiply Length x Width x (Thickness in inches / 12).
- Determine Bags: Divide total cubic feet by 6.5.
- Foam Requirements: For every bag, you need approximately 5 gallons of "foam water" (the liquid mix before it is turned into foam by the generator).
- Concentrate: If using a 1:40 ratio, you divide your foam water total by 40 to find the amount of pure foaming agent (soap) needed.
Pro Tips for a Successful Pour
When working with aircrete, consistency is key. Ensure your foam is the "dry" variety—it should look like shaving cream and hold a stiff peak. If the foam is too wet, it will collapse the bubbles when mixed with the heavy cement slurry, leading to a dense, heavy material that lacks insulating properties.
Always mix the cement and water into a smooth, lump-free slurry before folding in the foam. If you are building a dome or vertical structure, work in "lifts" of 12-24 inches to prevent the weight of the wet material from crushing the bottom layers of air bubbles.