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Sieve Analysis Calculator

Perform particle size distribution analysis with BS sieve sizes. Calculate D10, D30, D60, Cu, Cc, and soil fractions for geotechnical classification.

Last updated 2 April 2026

About this tool

Perform particle size distribution analysis with BS sieve sizes. Enter retained masses for each sieve and the tool calculates cumulative passing percentages, plots the grading curve, and derives the key grading parameters D10, D30, D60, Cu, and Cc.

Soil fractions are classified per BS 5930: gravel (>2mm), sand (0.063–2mm), silt (0.002–0.063mm), and clay (<0.002mm). The uniformity coefficient Cu and coefficient of curvature Cc indicate whether the soil is well-graded or poorly-graded.

Standard: BS 1377-2 (sieve analysis), BS 5930:2015 (soil description and classification). Supports both dry and wet sieving data.

How to use this tool

1. Enter retained masses — mass retained on each sieve in grams. Unused sieves can be left blank.

2. View the grading curve — cumulative percentage passing is plotted on a semi-log chart.

3. Read grading parameters — D10, D30, D60, Cu, Cc, and soil fraction percentages.

Technical information

Cu = D60 / D10 (uniformity coefficient)

Cc = D30² / (D10 × D60) (coefficient of curvature)

Well-graded: Cu > 6 (gravel) or Cu > 4 (sand), and 1 < Cc < 3. Otherwise poorly-graded (uniform or gap-graded).

Limitations

Sieve analysis only measures particles larger than 0.063mm. For the silt and clay fractions, hydrometer or laser diffraction analysis is required (BS 1377-2, Clause 9).

D10 may not be determinable if less than 10% of the sample passes the finest sieve. In this case Cu and Cc cannot be calculated.

Mass loss during sieving should be checked against BS 1377-2 tolerances. Significant loss indicates damaged sieves or overfilled sieves.

Revision history

2 April 2026: Content update and publish

11 January 2026: Initial release

Disclaimer

This tool is provided for educational and general information purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional engineering advice, design or verification.

Diggy and its contributors are not licensed engineering consultants and no results generated by this tool should be used directly for construction, design or safety-critical decisions.

All values and outputs are based on published empirical correlations and should be independently checked and confirmed by a qualified geotechnical engineer before use.

By using this tool, you accept full responsibility for how you interpret and apply the information provided.

Spotted an error? Let us know.

Sample

Total sample mass (g)

Dry mass of sample before sieving (BS 1377-2)

Mass Retained on Each Sieve

Sieve Size	Retained (g)	% Passing
63 mm		-
37.5 mm		-
20 mm		-
14 mm		-
10 mm		-
6.3 mm		-
5 mm		-
3.35 mm		-
2 mm		-
1.18 mm		-
600 µm		-
425 µm		-
300 µm		-
212 µm		-
150 µm		-
63 µm		-
Pan (<63 µm)		-

Sample

Mass Retained on Each Sieve

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