Box / room
Also: rectangular prism, bed, trench, room
V = L × W × H
L = length, W = width, H = height or depth.
Example: A 16 × 12 ft patio with 1 in of bedding sand: 16 × 12 × 0.0833 = 16 cu ft = 0.59 cu yd, or 32 bags of 0.5 cu ft.
Quick answer: paver bedding sand = area (sq ft) × 1 in ÷ 324 cubic yards. That is about 0.31 cu yd or 17 bags of 0.5 cu ft per 100 sq ft.
How to calculate paver sand
- Measure the paved area in square feet. Bedding sand goes only under the pavers, not past the edges.
- Use a 1 in depth for the bedding layer.
- Cubic feet = area × depth ÷ 12; cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27.
- Bags = cubic feet ÷ 0.5 for 0.5 cu ft bags.
Cubic yards = area (sq ft) × depth (in) ÷ 324
A 16 × 12 ft patio:
192 sq ft × 1 ÷ 324 = 0.59 cu yd (16 cu ft) = 32 bags of 0.5 cu ft. With 5% extra: 34 bags.
Which sand to use
| Layer | Sand | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Bedding, about 1 in, screeded | Coarse washed concrete sand | ASTM C33 gradation |
| Joints between pavers | Fine joint sand or polymeric sand | ASTM C144 gradation (or the polymeric maker’s instructions) |
The 1 in bedding depth and the ASTM C33 and C144 gradations come from the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute’s guide specification, as adapted by the California Concrete Pavement Industry Center.
Bags of sand per patio size (1 in deep)
| Patio | Area | Cubic feet | 0.5 cu ft bags |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 × 10 ft | 100 sq ft | 8.3 | 17 |
| 12 × 12 ft | 144 sq ft | 12 | 24 |
| 16 × 12 ft | 192 sq ft | 16 | 32 |
| 20 × 20 ft | 400 sq ft | 33.3 | 67 |
Paver sand for different shapes
Area × depth
Also: square feet to cubic feet
V = A × d
A = area, d = depth or thickness.
Example: A 300 sq ft walkway, 1 in deep: 300 × 0.0833 = 25 cu ft = 0.93 cu yd, or 50 bags.
Cylinder
Also: round hole, post hole, tank, planter
V = π × r² × h
r = radius (half the diameter), h = height.
Example: A round patio 12 ft across, 1 in deep: π × 6² × 0.0833 = 9.4 cu ft = 0.35 cu yd, or 19 bags.
Worked examples
Patio and walkway
A 16 × 12 ft patio plus a 30 × 3 ft walkway: 192 + 90 = 282 sq ft × 1 ÷ 324 = 0.87 cu yd (23.5 cu ft), or 47 bags. At this size, a bulk yard is usually cheaper than bags.
- Base first: the paver base calculator works out the compacted stone under the sand.
- Sand for other jobs? Use the sand calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How much sand do I need for pavers?
For the bedding layer, multiply the paved area in square feet by the depth (usually 1 in, so ÷ 12) to get cubic feet, then divide by 27 for cubic yards. A 16 × 12 ft patio needs 16 cu ft, which is 0.59 cu yd or 32 bags of 0.5 cu ft.
How thick should the sand be under pavers?
About 1 in. The Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute’s guide specification calls for a screeded bedding layer of nominal 1 in (25 mm). A thicker layer can shift and lead to ruts and uneven pavers, so fix low spots in the base, not with extra sand.
What kind of sand goes under pavers?
Coarse, washed concrete sand that meets the ASTM C33 gradation. Fine sands such as play sand, mason sand or stone dust are not recommended for bedding. The joints between pavers are filled with finer sand (ASTM C144) or polymeric sand.
How many bags of sand do I need for pavers?
A 0.5 cu ft bag (about 50 lb) covers about 6 sq ft at 1 in deep. So 100 sq ft takes about 17 bags and a 16 × 12 ft patio about 32.
Should I compact the bedding sand?
No, not before the pavers go down. Screed it smooth and level, then lay the pavers and compact the pavers, which presses them into the sand.
How much does a yard of paver sand weigh?
The calculator estimates about 2,970 lb (1.5 tons) per cubic yard for damp sand and 2,700 lb (1.35 tons) for dry sand. Sand weight varies with moisture; ask your supplier if you buy by the ton.
Is this paver sand calculator free to use online?
Yes. The CalcWall Paver Sand Calculator is completely free and works online in any browser, on a phone, tablet or computer. There is nothing to download and no account to create, and the math runs right in your browser, so results appear as you type.