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
| Material | kg/m³ | lb/ft³ | US tons per yd³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete sand (bedding) | 1,650 | 103.0 | 1.39 |
| Polymeric sand (joints) | 1,500 | 93.6 | 1.26 |
| Mason sand | 1,550 | 96.8 | 1.31 |
| Stone dust / screenings | 1,750 | 109.2 | 1.47 |
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
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Material | Choose one: Concrete sand (bedding), Polymeric sand (joints), Mason sand, Stone dust / screenings … |
| Custom density | Units: kg/m³, lb/ft³, g/cm³, lb/yd³ |
| Area shape | Choose one: Rectangle / square, Circle (length = diameter), Triangle (length = base, width = height) |
| Length (or diameter) | Units: ft, m, in, yd, cm |
| Width | Units: ft, m, in, yd, cm |
| Sand bed depth | Units: in, cm, mm, ft, m |
| Extra for waste and compaction | In % |
| Priced by | Choose one: Weight (per ton / tonne), Volume (per yd³ / m³) |
| Price per weight | Units: /US ton, /t, /lb, /kg |
| Price per volume | Units: /yd³, /m³, /ft³ |
Formula
Volume = area × depth × (1 + waste)Weight = volume × densityCost = weight × price per ton (or volume × price per yd³)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.
Frequently asked questions
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).