In a 1:2:4 mix by volume, which component has the largest proportion?

• A. Coarse aggregate
• B. Cement
• C. Fine aggregate (sand)
• D. Water

Answer: (A)

In a concrete mix ratio written as 1:2:4 by volume, the three numbers represent parts of cement, fine aggregate (sand), and coarse aggregate (gravel) respectively. The largest number is 4, which corresponds to coarse aggregate, so it makes up the largest portion of the mix. If you break it down into fractions of the total: total parts = 1 + 2 + 4 = 7. Cement = 1/7, fine aggregate = 2/7, coarse aggregate = 4/7 (about 57%). Water is not included in this ratio and is added separately to achieve the desired workability.