# Paver Sand Calculator

URL: https://speedycalculator.com/calculators/construction/paver-sand/
Last updated: 2026-10-25

> The paver sand calculator works out how much concrete sand (bedding) you need from the area and depth, in cubic yards, cubic metres, tons and tonnes, and estimates the cost from a price per ton or per cubic yard.

## Inputs

- Material
- Custom density (kg/m³, lb/ft³, g/cm³, lb/yd³)
- Area shape
- Length (or diameter) (ft, m, in, yd, cm)
- Width (ft, m, in, yd, cm)
- Sand bed depth (in, cm, mm, ft, m)
- Extra for waste and compaction (%)
- Priced by
- Price per weight (/US ton, /t, /lb, /kg)
- Price per volume (/yd³, /m³, /ft³)

## Results

- Area
- Volume needed
- Weight needed
- Estimated cost

## Formula

```
Volume = area × depth × (1 + waste)
Weight = volume × density
Cost = weight × price per ton (or volume × price per yd³)
```

## Explanation

Pavers sit on a 1-inch layer of screeded concrete sand (or stone dust) laid over a compacted gravel base, and the joints are filled with jointing or polymeric sand. This calculator estimates the bedding sand for a patio or path; the joint sand is usually 1 bag (50 lb) per 30–50 ft², depending on joint width and paver size.

### How to use the Paver Sand Calculator

- **Material**
- **Custom density**
- **Area shape**
- **Length (or diameter)**
- **Width**
- **Sand bed depth**
- **Extra for waste and compaction**
- **Priced by**
- **Price per weight**
- **Price per volume**
- Every result field is editable: type into **Volume needed** or any other result and **Sand bed depth** plus every other field update to match.

Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.

### How it works

The calculator finds the area of your rectangle, circle or triangle, multiplies it by the depth and adds the waste allowance to get the volume. Multiplying by the density of the chosen material gives the weight, and the price you enter turns either one into a cost.

### Densities used

Materialkg/m³lb/ft³US tons per yd³Concrete sand (bedding)1,650103.01.39Polymeric sand (joints)1,50093.61.26Mason sand1,55096.81.31Stone dust / screenings1,750109.21.47

### Good to know

Do not use the sand bed to fix an uneven base – any dips should be corrected in the compacted gravel layer.

### Tips for an accurate estimate

- Take measurements at floor level and at the ceiling – walls and rooms are often slightly out of square.
- Use the manufacturer's coverage, spacing and installation data when it differs from the typical values here.
- Keep a little extra of every finish material for touch-ups and repairs later.
- Check local building codes and permits before structural, electrical, plumbing or gas work.

### Common mistakes to avoid

- Sizing heating or cooling equipment by area alone when insulation, windows and climate make a big difference.
- Buying too little paint, stain or flooring and ending up with mismatched batches.
- Overlooking the extra material for steps, railings, gables and trim.

### Inputs explained

FieldWhat to enterMaterialChoose one: Concrete sand (bedding), Polymeric sand (joints), Mason sand, Stone dust / screenings …Custom densityUnits: kg/m³, lb/ft³, g/cm³, lb/yd³Area shapeChoose one: Rectangle / square, Circle (length = diameter), Triangle (length = base, width = height)Length (or diameter)Units: ft, m, in, yd, cmWidthUnits: ft, m, in, yd, cmSand bed depthUnits: in, cm, mm, ft, mExtra for waste and compactionIn %Priced byChoose one: Weight (per ton / tonne), Volume (per yd³ / m³)Price per weightUnits: /US ton, /t, /lb, /kgPrice per volumeUnits: /yd³, /m³, /ft³

## Worked example

Inputs — Material: Concrete sand (bedding); Custom density: 1,600 kg/m³; Area shape: Rectangle / square; Length (or diameter): 12 ft; Width: 10 ft; Sand bed depth: 1 in; Extra for waste and compaction: 10 %; Priced by: Weight (per ton / tonne); Price per weight: $45 /US ton; Price per volume: $60 /yd³.

Results — Area = 120 ft²; **Volume needed = 0.407 yd³**; Weight needed = 0.567 US ton; Estimated cost = $25.49.

## FAQ

**How deep should paver sand be?**
1 in (25 mm). Thicker beds shift and rut over time.

**Can I use play sand under pavers?**
No – it is too fine and rounded to stay put. Use coarse concrete sand.

**How much polymeric sand do I need?**
Roughly one 50 lb bag per 30–50 ft² for typical joints; narrow joints use less.

**What formula does the Paver Sand Calculator use?**
Volume = area × depth × (1 + waste).


## Sources

- [The Engineering ToolBox – Bulk densities of materials](https://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/density-materials-d_1652.html)