Paver Sand Calculator
Bedding sand and polymeric joint sand for a paver patio, walkway or driveway.
Quick estimating rule of thumb
For paver sand: area (sq ft) × depth (in) ÷ 324 = cubic yards. Bedding sand is typically 1 inch; joint sand about ½ inch. A cubic yard of sand is roughly 1.35 tons. Add 10%, because joints drink more sand than a flat-layer formula suggests.
This paver sand calculator works out the bedding sand under your pavers (the screeded 1-inch layer that levels them) in cubic yards, tons or 50 lb bags.
Bedding sand and joint sand are two different jobs. Enter the patio dimensions with a 1-inch depth for the bedding layer; the FAQ below covers how much polymeric sand to add for the joints.
The two sand layers
Bedding sand is a uniform 1-inch course of coarse concrete sand, screeded flat, that the pavers are set into and tamped level. It is never a levelling course. That job belongs to the compacted road base beneath it.
Joint sand is swept into the gaps between pavers after they are laid and compacted. Polymeric sand contains a binder that hardens when misted with water, locking the pavers and resisting weeds and ants far better than plain sand.
How much of each
Bedding: one cubic yard of sand covers about 320 square feet at 1 inch. A 200 square foot patio needs roughly 0.6 cubic yards, about 33 bags.
Polymeric joint sand: a 50 lb bag covers roughly 100 square feet of standard-size pavers with 1/8 inch joints, or as little as 30 to 40 square feet of large-format or heavily chamfered pavers with wide joints. Check the bag, because coverage varies by brand and paver.
Order extra and keep it dry
Buy 10 to 15% more bedding sand than the calculation. Screeding wastes some and low spots in the base soak it up. Keep polymeric sand bone dry until you are ready to activate it; a bag that has taken on moisture in the garage is ruined.
Bedding sand vs joint sand: do not mix them up
Bedding sand is a 1-inch screeded course of coarse concrete sand the pavers are set into. Order it by volume with this calculator.
Joint sand is swept into the gaps after laying. Polymeric joint sand has a binder that hardens when misted, resisting weeds and washout. Order it by bag against the coverage on the bag.
Using polymeric sand as bedding is a common and expensive error. It stiffens and stops draining.
| Material | lb / ft³ | tons / yd³ | Sold by | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete / bedding sand (coarse) | 100–105 | 1.35 | ton or yd³ | Paver bedding, mixing concrete |
| Mason sand (fine) | 95–100 | 1.30 | ton or yd³ | Mortar, brick laying, sandboxes |
| Play sand (washed, screened) | 95–100 | 1.30 | bag or yd³ | Sandboxes, volleyball courts |
| Pool filter sand | 95–100 | 1.30 | bag | Sand filters, above-ground pool base |
| Polymeric joint sand | n/a | n/a | bag (50 lb) | Swept into paver joints, then misted |
Frequently asked questions
How much paver sand do I need?
For the 1-inch bedding layer, about one cubic yard per 320 square feet, or roughly 0.6 cubic yards (33 bags) for a 200 square foot patio. Joint sand is separate.
How many bags of polymeric sand do I need?
A 50 lb bag covers about 100 square feet of standard pavers with narrow joints, but only 30 to 40 square feet of large-format pavers with wide joints. Always check the bag rating for your paver.
What is the difference between bedding sand and joint sand?
Bedding sand is the 1-inch screeded course the pavers sit on. Joint sand is swept into the gaps afterward to lock the pavers together.
Can I use polymeric sand for the bedding layer?
No. Polymeric sand is only for joints. The bedding layer must be plain coarse concrete sand so it stays workable and drains.
How thick should paver bedding sand be?
One inch, screeded flat and never compacted before laying. A thicker layer lets the pavers settle unevenly.
What kind of sand goes under pavers?
Coarse, sharp concrete sand meeting ASTM C33. Avoid fine mason or play sand. It holds water and migrates out from under the pavers.
How much does a cubic yard of paver sand weigh?
About 1.35 tons (2,700 lb) dry.
Do I need edge restraints with polymeric sand?
Yes. Polymeric sand stiffens the joints but does not hold the field of pavers together. Plastic or metal edge restraint stops the perimeter from spreading.
How many bags of polymeric sand for a 300 square foot patio?
With standard pavers and narrow joints, about 3 bags (100 ft² each). Large-format pavers with wide joints can need one bag per 30 to 40 square feet, so check the bag.
Can I use play sand between pavers?
It works short-term but washes out, grows weeds and lets ants nest. Polymeric sand or at least a coarse joint sand lasts far longer.
How thick should the sand be under pavers?
Exactly 1 inch of bedding sand, screeded flat and not compacted before laying. The load is carried by 4 to 6 inches of compacted base below it.
Do I need to wet polymeric sand?
Yes. After sweeping it into dry joints and compacting, mist it in stages per the instructions so the binder activates without washing the sand out.
How much does a cubic yard of bedding sand weigh?
About 1.35 tons (2,700 lb) dry. A 0.5 cubic foot bag is about 50 lb.