Deck Mud Calculator
Estimate dry pack mortar (deck mud) by square feet and thickness. Adjust waste and mix ratio.
Quick guide
- Measure your deck mud area (square feet) and average thickness (inches).
- Add waste/overage for uneven subfloor, mixing loss, and cleanup (often 5–15%).
- Use a common dry pack mortar ratio (often 5:1 sand to cement) and round up.
Deck Mud Calculator
Estimate dry pack mortar (deck mud) by square feet and thickness. Adjust waste and mix ratio.
Units
Sand : cement ratio
Common deck mud ratios are 5:1 or 4:1 by volume. Use local practice and product guidance.
Results
- Total volume (ft3)
- 13.75
- Sand (ft3)
- 11.46
- Cement (ft3)
- 2.29
- Cement bags (94 lb, approx)
- 3
How to measure for deck mud
- Measure the footprint you’ll fill (e.g., shower pan) and total the area.
- Estimate average thickness: thin edges and thicker slopes change volume.
- Convert area × thickness to volume, then split volume by your sand:cement ratio.
Assumptions to double-check
- Deck mud (dry pack mortar) is mixed by volume ratios; products and techniques vary.
- Cement bag volume varies by brand; treat bag counts as planning estimates.
- If your bed is sloped (typical for showers), thickness is not uniform—use an average.
Buying tips
- Buy extra sand so you can keep a consistent mix while you work.
- Round up cement bags—running short mid-bed can ruin the mix consistency.
- Confirm whether you’re using masonry sand vs play sand per local practice.
Last updated: Jan 2026
FAQ
What is deck mud?
Deck mud (dry pack mortar) is a sand-and-cement mix used for mortar beds, often for shower pans and tile underlayment.
What thickness should I use?
It depends on the project. If the bed is sloped, thickness is not uniform—use an average thickness for estimating.
What mix ratio should I use?
Many mixes use 5:1 sand-to-cement by volume. Follow your product guidance and local practice.
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Results are estimates for informational purposes only. Always verify measurements and product specifications.