What Is the Paver Sand Calculator?
When installing pavers for a patio, driveway, or walkway, a layer of bedding sand is spread over the compacted base to create a smooth, level surface and to lock the pavers in place. This calculator estimates how much bedding sand you need based on the area you are covering and the depth of the sand layer, giving results in cubic yards, cubic feet, and approximate weight.
How to Use It
Enter the length and width of your paver area in feet, then enter the desired sand bedding depth in inches (a typical depth is 1 inch). The calculator multiplies the area by the depth (converted to feet) to find the volume, then converts to cubic yards and estimates weight assuming dry sand weighs about 100 pounds per cubic foot.
The Formula Explained
First the area is found: \(\text{Area} = \text{Length} \times \text{Width}\). The sand depth in inches is converted to feet by dividing by 12. Multiplying area by this depth gives cubic feet of sand:
$$\text{Volume} = \text{Area} \times \frac{\text{Depth}}{12}$$Dividing by 27 converts cubic feet to cubic yards, the unit suppliers typically use.
Worked Example
For a 10 ft × 10 ft patio with a 1-inch sand layer: Area = 100 sq ft. Depth = \(1 \div 12 = 0.0833\) ft. Volume:
$$\text{Volume} = 100 \times 0.0833 = 8.33 \text{ cubic feet}$$In cubic yards that is \(8.33 \div 27 \approx 0.31 \text{ yd}^3\). Estimated weight \(\approx 8.33 \times 100 = 833 \text{ lbs}\).
FAQ
How deep should paver bedding sand be? A 1-inch layer of bedding sand is standard for most paver installations.
Should I add extra sand? Yes — order about 10% extra to account for compaction, uneven base, and waste.
Does this include joint sand? No, this estimates bedding sand only. Polymeric joint sand for filling gaps between pavers is calculated separately.
