Paver Sand Calculator

Estimate the exact amount of sand required for your paver project. Whether you are building a patio, walkway, or driveway, this calculator accounts for both the bedding layer and joint filling sand.

Total paved surface area

Standard pavers are 2.375 inches thick

Standard paver joints are 1/8 inch (0.125 in)

Typically 1 inch for paver base

Length of a single paver

Width of a single paver

Optional: Enter local sand price per ton

Bedding Sand (cu ft) = Area (sq ft) × Sand Depth (ft)

Joint Sand (cu ft) = [(Paver L + Joint W) × Joint W × Paver T] × Pavers

Total Sand (cu yd) = Total (cu ft) ÷ 27

Sand Weight (tons) = Total (cu yd) × 2700 lbs/cu yd ÷ 2000
A 200 sq ft patio with 2.375-inch thick pavers, 1/8 inch joints, and 1 inch bedding sand: Bedding = 200 × 0.0833 = 16.67 cu ft. Joint sand = ~1.2 cu ft. Total = 17.87 cu ft = 0.66 cu yd ≈ 0.9 tons of sand ($36 at $40/ton). Requires about 450 standard brick pavers.

How much sand do I need under pavers?

For a standard paver installation, you need a 1-inch bedding sand layer plus sand to fill the joints between pavers. A 200 sq ft patio typically requires about 0.8 cubic yards of sand total. The bedding sand should be screeded level to ensure pavers sit evenly without settling later.

What type of sand is best for paver joints?

Polymeric sand is recommended for paver joints as it hardens when activated with water, preventing weed growth and insect infiltration. Regular masonry sand can also be used but will require more maintenance. For the bedding layer, washed concrete sand or coarse builder's sand provides the best compaction.

Can I use too much sand under pavers?

Yes, too much sand (more than 1.5 inches) can cause pavers to settle unevenly or shift over time. The ideal bedding sand depth is exactly 1 inch when compacted. The sand should be screeded flat without disturbing the compacted gravel base below.

Do I need gravel under the sand for pavers?

Yes, a compacted gravel base (typically 4-6 inches of crushed stone or Class II road base) is essential beneath the sand layer. The gravel provides drainage and prevents frost heave. The sand layer is only for leveling, not structural support. Skipping the gravel base will cause pavers to sink and shift.

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