Paver Sand Calculator
Calculate the amount of sand needed for paver bedding and between pavers when installing patios, walkways, and driveways.
Formula & Explanation
The paver sand calculator uses the following formula: 1. Volume in cubic feet = Area (sqft) × Depth (inches) ÷ 12 2. Volume in cubic yards = Volume (cubic feet) ÷ 27 3. Bags needed = ceil(Volume (cubic feet) ÷ Bag size (cubic feet)) For paver installation, you typically use sand as the bedding layer under pavers (1-1.5 inches deep) and sometimes polymeric sand in the joints between pavers (calculated separately based on joint width and grout joint coverage).
Assumptions
- •Bedding sand depth is typically 1-1.5 inches under pavers for proper support
- •This calculator is for bedding sand only; joint sand between pavers is a separate calculation
- •Use coarse or concrete sand for bedding (not fine sand, which compacts too much)
- •Polymeric sand (jointing sand) hardens when wet and prevents weed growth; it requires different calculation than bedding sand
- •Sand should be level and compacted slightly before placing pavers
- •Order 10-15% extra for settling and to compensate for compaction
Example Calculation
A 100 square foot patio with 1 inch of bedding sand requires approximately 0.31 cubic yards or 3 bags of sand.
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