IS 10262:2009 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for concrete mix proportioning - guidelines. This standard provides guidelines for designing concrete mixes to achieve specific target strengths, workability, and durability. It details a step-by-step calculation method to determine the optimal proportions of cement, water, aggregates, and admixtures, based on the properties of the constituent materials.
Provided guidelines for the proportioning of concrete mixes, including considerations for using admixtures.
Quick Reference — IS 10262:2009 Concrete Mix Design (legacy)
Older mix proportioning guidelines. Target strength, w/c selection, water content, aggregate proportions.
| Reference | Value | Clause |
|---|
| Target mean strength fck′ | fck + 1.65 σ | Cl. 3.2.1 |
| Standard deviation σ — assumed (M20–M30) | 5.0 N/mm² | Cl. 3.2.1.2 (Table 1) |
| Standard deviation σ — assumed (M35–M55) | 6.0 N/mm² | Cl. 3.2.1.2 (Table 1) |
| Maximum w/c (severe exposure, RCC) | 0.45 | Cl. 3.2.2 (refers IS 456 Table 5) |
| Water content — 20 mm aggregate, 50 mm slump | 186 kg/m³ | Cl. 3.2.3 (Table 2) |
| Water content — 40 mm aggregate | 165 kg/m³ | Cl. 3.2.3 (Table 2) |
| Water adjustment — slump 75 mm | +3 % water | Cl. 3.2.3.1 |
| Water adjustment — slump 100 mm | +6 % water | Cl. 3.2.3.1 |
| Min cement content — moderate exposure | 300 kg/m³ | (IS 456 Table 5) |
| Min cement content — severe exposure | 320 kg/m³ | (IS 456 Table 5) |
| Volume of coarse aggregate — Zone II sand, 20 mm CA | 0.62 (per unit volume) | Cl. 3.2.4 (Table 3) |
| Adjustment for w/c (Table 3) | ± 0.01 per 0.05 change | Cl. 3.2.4.1 |
| Trial batches — minimum number | 3 (at design w/c, ± 10 %) | Cl. 4 |
| Adjustment for placement type — pumpable | increase fines, lower CA fraction | Cl. 4.5 |
| Air content — non-air-entrained | 1.0–2.0 % (entrapped) | Cl. 3.2.5 |
| Specific gravity of cement (assumed) | 3.15 | Cl. 3.2.5 |
| Aggregate moisture correction— based on saturated-surface-dry basis | subtract from total water | Cl. 4.4 |
| Mix design verification — 28-day cubes | ≥ target mean strength | Cl. 4.6 |
| Documentation — submission with samples | trial mix report + cubes | Cl. 4.7 |
| Consistency check — slump | ± 25 mm of design | Cl. 4.5 (refers IS 1199) |
⚠ Superseded by IS 10262:2019 (which added explicit SCC, HSC, pumpable concrete, and updated SCM tables). 2009 edition still cited on ongoing projects and older mix-design reports.
Overview
- Status
- Superseded — superseded by IS 10262:2019
- Usage level
- Essential
- Domain
- Materials Science — Admixtures and Chemical Products for Concrete
- Type
- Guidelines
- Amendments
- Amendment 1 (January 2014)
Also on InfraLens for IS 10262
BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.
Practical Notes
! The mix design obtained from this code is a starting point. Trial mixes are mandatory to verify and adjust proportions using actual site materials.
! Durability requirements from IS 456 (Table 5) regarding maximum water-cement ratio and minimum cement content must be checked and must supersede the calculated values if they are more stringent.
! Accurate determination of material properties like aggregate specific gravity, water absorption, and gradation is critical for a successful mix design.
Frequently referenced clauses
Updates & Amendments1 amendment
Amendment 1 (January 2014)
Consolidated list per BIS. For the text of each amendment, refer to the BIS portal link above.
concretecementaggregatesadmixtureswater
International Equivalents
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International Comparison — Coming Soon
We're adding equivalent international standards for this code.
Key Values6
Quick Reference Values
Target Strength Factor1.65 (for f'ck = fck + 1.65 S)
Assumed Standard Deviation for M25 grade4.0 N/mm²
Assumed Standard Deviation for M30-M50 grades5.0 N/mm²
Estimated entrapped air in 20mm nominal max size aggregate concrete2.0 percent
Initial water content for 20mm aggregate (50mm slump)186 kg/m³
Typical water reduction with superplasticizer20 to 30 percent
Key Formulas
f'ck = fck + 1.65 S — Target mean compressive strength
Volume = (Mass of material / Its Specific Gravity) x (1 / 1000) — Absolute volume calculation for each ingredient
Tables & Referenced Sections
Key Tables
Table 1 - Assumed Standard Deviation
Table 2 - Maximum Water Content per Cubic Metre of Concrete for Nominal Maximum Size of Aggregate (25 to 50 mm slump range)
Table 3 - Volume of Coarse Aggregate per Unit Volume of Total Aggregate for Different Zones of Fine Aggregate
Key Clauses
Clause 4 - Target Strength for Mix Proportioning
Clause 5 - Selection of Water-Cement Ratio
Clause 7 - Selection of Water Content and Admixture Content
Clause 9 - Proportion of Volume of Coarse Aggregate and Fine Aggregate
Frequently Asked Questions4
How is the target mean strength calculated?+
Using the formula f'ck = fck + 1.65 S, where f'ck is the target strength, fck is the characteristic strength, and S is the standard deviation from Table 1.
Where can I find the initial water content for my mix?+
Table 2 gives the starting water content for a 25-50mm slump based on the nominal maximum size of aggregate. This value is then adjusted for the actual target slump.
What if my calculated cement content is lower than specified in IS 456?+
The minimum cement content specified in IS 456 (Table 5) for the relevant exposure condition must be adopted, even if your calculation yields a lower value.
How do I determine the proportions of coarse and fine aggregates?+
First, find the volume of coarse aggregate as a percentage of total aggregate volume from Table 3. The remaining volume is assigned to the fine aggregate.