best ratio for mortar mixing

[mortarMix_]

this probably a dumb question, but I'm really new to bricklaying and have only used the premixed bags so far
I’ve got a bigger project coming up where it makes more sense to mix my own sand and cement, but the charts I’m finding online are just confusing me.
for a standard brick project, what is the best ratio for a reliable mix? I'm looking for that mortar mix that's easy to work with but holds up strong.
what do the pros actually use onsite?

 

[z3u$096]

@mortarMix_ the standard mix for brick walls is four buckets of sand to one bucket of cement.

 

[ChicagoDogz]

You really have to dial in your mix based on what you’re laying and the current weather.

For a solid, all-around choice, you can’t go wrong with a 1-1-3 ratio: one part Portland cement, one part Type S lime, and three parts masonry sand. It’s super workable, bonds well, and the lime actually helps the mortar self heal small cracks over time.

Just keep in mind that these proportions are by volume. A bag of Portland (94 lbs) and a bag of lime (50 lbs) both equal about 1 cubic foot. If you’re measuring it out yourself, a standard 5-gallon bucket filled up to that top ring (not the very brim) is also right at 1 cubic foot, which makes mixing it up way easier.

 

[stev3njr]

one little tip: always add your water to the mixer/tub first, then your sand and cement. if you dump the dry stuff in first, you'll end up with dry pockets at the bottom that are a nightmare to get out. get a consistency like thick peanut butter