Use of manufactured sand in concrete has been an area of interest for many researchers across the globe. The available limited natural sand is unable to meet the growing demand of fine aggregate for the needs of construction. It is proposed to compare the physical properties of natural river sand with manufactured sand (M-sand). The current study was conducted on the mixes M30, M40 and M50. The modulus of elasticity (MOE) was evaluated by changing the relative proportion of M-sand from 0 to 100%. Additionally, impact resistance tests and sorptivity tests were also conducted on the said mixes for the optimum proportion of the manufactured sand. Furthermore, the microscopic studies such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electron dispersive spectrometry (EDS) were also conducted. Improvement in MOE and resistance to impact loading was observed with increase in grade of the mix. However, reduction in sorptivity was observed with increase in grade of concrete and the presence of M-sand. Moreover, a comparison was made between the experimental MOE values and those obtained from IS code. Microscopic studies revealed the presence of angular and rough surface of M-sand as compared to natural sand and it was fund to be the reason behind improvement in MOE and impact resistance and reduction in sorptivity. © 2006-2018 Asian Research Publishing Network (ARPN).