text: The results are presented in a graph of percent passing versus the sieve size. On the graph the sieve size scale is logarithmic.  To find the percent of aggregate passing through each sieve, first find the percent retained in each sieve.  To do so, the following equation is used,
  %Retained = ×100%
  where W is the mass of aggregate in the sieve and W is the total mass of the aggregate.  The next step is to find the cumulative percent of aggregate retained in each sieve.  To do so, add up the total amount of aggregate that is retained in each sieve and the amount in the previous sieves.  The cumulative percent passing of the aggregate is found by subtracting the percent retained from 100%.
  %Cumulative Passing = 100% - %Cumulative Retained.
  The values are then plotted on a graph with cumulative percent passing on the y axis and logarithmic sieve size on the x axis.
  There are two versions of the %Passing equations. the .45 power formula is presented on .45 power gradation chart, whereas the more simple %Passing is presented on a semi-log gradation chart. version of the percent passing graph is shown on .45 power chart and by using the .45 passing formula.
  ;.45 power percent passing formula:
  % Passing = P = x100%
  Where:
  Sieve - Largest diameter sieve used in (mm).<br />
  Aggregate - Largest piece of aggregate in the sample in (mm).
  ;Percent passing formula:
  %Passing = x100%
  Where:
  W - The total mass of the aggregate within the sieves below the current sieve, not including the current sieve's aggregate.
  W - The total mass of all of the aggregate in the sample.