Paver Sand Calculator
Bedding sand needed under pavers. Yards, tons and bags by patio size for a standard 1-inch sand setting layer.
Pavers are set on about a 1-inch bedding layer of sand over a compacted base. Rows assume a 10 ft wide area.
Sand at 1 in deep · density ≈ 1.35 tons/yd³ · 0.5 ft³ bags.
| Length × 10 ft | Cubic yards | Tons (est.) | 0.5 ft³ bags |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 ft | 0.31 | 0.42 | 17 |
| 12 ft | 0.37 | 0.50 | 20 |
| 15 ft | 0.46 | 0.63 | 25 |
| 20 ft | 0.62 | 0.83 | 34 |
| 30 ft | 0.93 | 1.25 | 50 |
Tonnage is an estimate from loose, dry bulk density; damp or compacted material weighs more. Order ~5–10% extra for settling.
The sand bedding layer under pavers serves as a fine-tuning medium — it lets you set each paver perfectly level and provides a slight cushion. Use coarse-washed concrete sand (also called "bedding sand" or "sharp sand"), not fine play sand or mason sand, which can compact too densely and cause pavers to shift over time.
The sand layer should be exactly 1 inch thick and screeded perfectly flat before laying pavers. After the pavers are laid, polymeric sand is swept into the joints and compacted to lock everything together. The 1-inch bedding layer sits on top of a 4–6 inch compacted aggregate base — calculate the base separately using the crushed stone calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How much sand do I need for a 10 × 10 ft patio?
A 10 × 10 ft (100 ft²) patio at a 1-inch sand bed needs about 0.31 cubic yards or roughly 0.4 tons. For bags, that is around 17 bags of 0.5 ft³ sand.
What type of sand should I use under pavers?
Use coarse-washed concrete sand (also called "sharp sand" or "bedding sand"). Do not use fine play sand or mason sand — they compact poorly and can cause pavers to shift or sink. Some contractors now use "chip stone" or grit instead of sand for even better stability.
Do I need a sand layer under all pavers?
For traditional dry-lay pavers on a compacted aggregate base, yes — a 1-inch sand bedding layer is standard. Some modern permeable paving systems and large-format pavers are set directly on a fine-graded aggregate base without a sand layer. Follow the manufacturer installation guide.