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Landscape & Aggregates

Sand Calculator

This sand calculator estimates bedding and fill sand in yards, tons and bags; our paver patio installation guide explains the sand bed. Paver patios and walkways sit on a thin, screeded layer of bedding sand — typically about 1 in — over a compacted base. Sand is also used for fill and play areas. Enter the area and depth to get cubic yards, tons and 50 lb bags.

Results from this sand calculator are planning estimates; confirm quantities and prices with your supplier or contractor before you order.

Enter your project

ft
in
m
ft
in
m
in
cm
tons/yd³

Dry sand is commonly around 1.3–1.4 tons/yd³.

%

Extra for compaction, uneven ground and spillage.

$

Results

Your results will appear here

Enter your measurements and press Calculate. Defaults show a typical example.

How to use the sand calculator

  1. Enter the area.
  2. Use about 1 in for paver bedding, or the depth your design calls for.
  3. Adjust density for the sand type and moisture.

Formula

Cubic yards = area (sq ft) × depth (in) ÷ 12 ÷ 27 × (1 + waste). Tons = cubic yards × density. Bags = tons × 2,000 ÷ 50 lb.

Worked example

Bedding sand for a 12 × 16 ft patio at 1 in: 192 × 0.083 = 16 ft³ + 5% = 16.8 ft³ = 0.62 yd³ ≈ 0.84 tons, about 34 bags of 50 lb.

Tips for using the sand calculator

  • Use concrete sand for paver bedding; fine play sand compacts poorly under pavers.
  • Screed the bedding layer to about 1 in; thicker sand beds can settle unevenly.
  • Order polymeric joint sand separately for the joints between pavers.
  • Keep sand covered before use; wet sand weighs more and compacts differently, so it can make bedding layers uneven and throws off weight-based orders. Never compact bedding sand after screeding; set the pavers first and compact them, which seats them evenly in the sand bed.
Hands setting red clay pavers in a running-bond pattern on a sand bed

Sand Calculator FAQs

How much sand under pavers?

About 1 in of bedding sand over a compacted base is typical. Too much sand lets pavers settle unevenly.

What kind of sand for pavers?

Coarse, washed concrete sand is commonly specified for bedding; polymeric sand is used to fill joints.

How many 50 lb bags in a yard of sand?

At 1.35 tons per yard, about 54 bags.

Estimate before you call a contractor

Run the numbers with our free calculators so you can compare bids with confidence.

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