Sand Calculator
Estimate sand for paver bedding, play areas, fill or masonry by area and depth. Bedding sand for pavers is usually about 1 inch.
Sand calculator
How it's calculated: Length ft × width ft × (depth in ÷ 12) = cubic feet; add 5% waste and divide by 27 for cubic yards, then multiply by 1.35 tons per cubic yard.
How to estimate sand
- Use coarse, sharp bedding sand (not play sand) under pavers so the surface stays stable.
- Keep paver bedding sand to about 1 inch; thicker layers rut and settle.
- Sand weighs roughly 1.3-1.4 tons per cubic yard, more when wet.
- Buy sand by its named type - bedding sand, masonry sand, play sand - the gradings differ and they do not substitute well.
- Screed bedding sand to depth with pipe rails and a straight board, and do not compact it before setting pavers.
Frequently asked questions
How much sand do I need for pavers?
About 1 inch of bedding sand over your compacted base. For a 100 sq ft patio that is roughly 0.3 cubic yards.
How much does a cubic yard of sand weigh?
About 1.35 tons dry. Wet sand runs noticeably heavier, which matters if you plan to haul it in a pickup.
What is the difference between play sand and construction sand?
Play sand is fine, washed and soft underfoot. Bedding and concrete sands are coarse and angular so they lock in place - that grip is exactly what pavers need, so do not swap one for the other.
Can I use sand alone as a paver base?
No. Sand shifts and washes out; it is only the 1-inch leveling layer. The structure comes from the 4-6 inches of compacted crushed stone underneath.
How much sand for a 10x12 paver patio?
At the standard 1-inch bedding depth, about 0.4 cubic yards - roughly half a ton.