Grain size charts are used to display the results of sieve and hydrometer tests. They are used to present the distribution of grain sizes in a soil or aggregate sample. The distribution of grain sizes larger than 75 mm (retained on the No. 200 sieve) are determined using a sieve test, and the distribution of grain sizes smaller than 75 mm are determined using a hydrometer test. The standard ASTM test for determining the grain size of a soil or aggregate sample is D 422-63.

The grain size distribution as determined by sieve and hydrometer tests is normally presented as a curve on a semi-logarithmic plot. The ordinate of the graph is the percentage by weight of grains passing or retained by the size given by the abscissa. Grain size is presented on a logarithmic scale so that soils with the same degree of uniformity have the same distribution curve shape regardless of their positions on the graph.

In WinSieve the results of the grain size tests are stored in a database composed of a set of tables that are stored in the project directory. After the test results are entered into the database they can be retrieved and displayed on grain size curves. Up to 5 sets of test results can be displayed on one grain size graph.

In addition to grain size test results, specifications can also be displayed on the charts. These specifications are used to determine if the soil or aggregate sample meets designated requirements. These requirements will depend upon the use of the soil or aggregate. Typically specifications consist of a set of maximum and minimum percentages that the grain size of the sample must meet. If the sample's grain sizes are in between the maximum and minimum specifications, then the sample is referred to as being within specification. And if some of the sample's grain sizes are outside of the maximum and minimum specifications, then the sample is referred to as being out of specification. 

Each grain size distribution chart contains a legend and a header that can be either at the bottom or top of the graph. The format of the legend, header, and graph can be fully customized and saved as a template. After the template has been saved it can be re-used to present test results from other samples and projects.

The creation and editing of sieve analyses is supported by the following features:

• Sieve analysis results for each project are stored in a Microsoft Access database.
• There is no limit on the number of projects, samples, or tests results.
• Program includes numerous standard sieve sizes and an unlimited number of additional sieve sizes can be added.
• Times used for hydrometer tests can be customized.
• Up to 5 grain size test results can be plotted on one graph.
• Grain size specifications can be overlain on the same graph.
• Program comes with numerous standard specifications and an unlimited number of specifications can be added.
• Support for several standard classification systems.
• Percentages of soil components are automatically calculated.
• Automatic calculation of classification data, D₁₀, D₃₀, D₆₀, C_u, and C_c.
• Automatic calculation of statistical data mean, sorting, skewness, and kurtosis