How to Mix Masonry Cement

Mix Type-S mortar. Combine one part -- one cubit-foot bag, for example -- of dried cement powder with a 1/2 part of lime. Add the total volume of these two ingredients: 1.5 bags, for instance. Triple the total volume of the cement and lime (1.5) to equal the amount of sand you need: 4.5 parts -- or bags. Add 1.25 gallons of water per one-cubit foot bag of cement. Mix continuously for five to 10 minutes. Type-S mortar is a standard compression strength mix.

Mix Type-M mortar. Combine three parts cement, one part line and a dozen parts sand. Add up to 3.75 gallons of water, depending on your mixing needs. Mix for up to 10 minutes. Type-M mortar is a high strength compression mix.

Make Type-N mortar. Combine one part -- equal parts -- cement and lime. Add six times as much sand -- six bags of sand for every one bag of cement and lime, for example. Add a maximum of 1.25 gallons of water for every one cubic-foot bag of cement you use. Mix for up to 10 minutes. Type-N mortar is used for exterior walls.

Make Type-O mortar. Combine one part cement and double the amount -- two parts -- lime. Add nine parts sand for every one part cement. Add a maximum of 1.25 gallons of water for every one cubic-foot bag of cement in your mixture. Mix for a maximum of 10 minutes. Type-O mortar is necessary for non-load-bearing interior walls.