Paver Sand Calculator
Calculate base gravel, bedding sand, and polymeric joint sand for paver installations. See also our Paver Calculator, Sand Calculator, and Gravel Calculator.
How to Use the Paver Sand Calculator
Enter the total paver area in square feet. Set the base depth — 4-6 inches for pedestrian patios and walkways, 8-12 inches for driveways and areas with vehicle traffic. Bedding sand depth should be 1 inch (the industry standard). Select your joint width based on paver type — most concrete pavers use 1/8 inch joints, while natural stone may use wider 1/4 to 3/8 inch joints. The calculator provides quantities for all three layers: compacted gravel base, bedding sand, and polymeric joint sand.
The base layer is the most critical component of a paver installation. It must be compacted in 2-inch lifts using a plate compactor to achieve 95% compaction. Poor base preparation is the number one cause of paver failure, settling, and unevenness. Always excavate to the full depth needed (base + sand + paver thickness) and ensure proper slope for drainage (1/8 inch per foot minimum away from structures).
When ordering materials, round up to the nearest half-ton for gravel and full bags for sand. Delivery minimums from quarries are typically 1-2 tons. For small projects, bagged materials from home improvement stores may be more practical, though significantly more expensive per unit volume than bulk delivery.
Material Delivery and Storage
For bulk material delivery, ensure you have adequate access for a dump truck (10 ft wide, 30 ft long minimum). Gravel and sand should be delivered onto a tarp or plywood to prevent mixing with your lawn or driveway. Store polymeric sand in a dry location — moisture will activate the polymers prematurely, ruining the product. Plan material delivery for the day before installation to avoid delays.
Calculate the total weight of materials for delivery planning. A 300 sq ft patio with 6-inch base requires approximately 8 tons of gravel and 1.25 tons of sand — that's nearly 10 tons of material that needs to be moved from the delivery point to the work area. Rent a wheelbarrow or small skid steer for efficient material handling on larger projects.
Compaction and Grading Guidelines
Proper compaction is essential for a long-lasting paver installation. Compact the subgrade (native soil) first, then add gravel base in 2-inch lifts, compacting each lift with a plate compactor making at least 3 passes. The finished base should be firm enough that you cannot push a screwdriver into it by hand. Check grade with a long straightedge — variations should be less than 3/8 inch over 10 feet.
Ensure proper drainage slope of 1/8 to 1/4 inch per foot away from buildings and toward drainage areas. For large patios, consider installing a center drain or French drain at the low point. In areas with poor-draining clay soil, increase the base depth by 2-4 inches and consider adding a geotextile fabric between the subgrade and gravel base to prevent soil migration into the aggregate.
Formula
Base Gravel (cu yd) = Area x (Base Depth / 12) / 27
Base Gravel (tons) = Cu Yards x 1.4
Bedding Sand (cu ft) = Area x (Sand Depth / 12)
Bedding Sand (tons) = Cu Ft x 100 / 2000
Polymeric Sand (bags) = Area / Coverage per bag
Example Calculation
Patio: 300 sq ft, 6" base, 1" bedding sand, 1/8" joints
Base gravel = 300 x (6/12) / 27 = 5.56 cu yd
Base gravel = 5.56 x 1.4 = 7.78 tons
Bedding sand = 300 x (1/12) = 25 cu ft
Bedding sand = 25 x 100 / 2000 = 1.25 tons
Polymeric sand = 300 / 50 = 6 bags (50 lb each)
Reference Table: Base Depth Requirements
| Application | Base Depth | Sand Depth | Paver Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garden walkway | 4" | 1" | 2-3/8" |
| Patio (pedestrian) | 6" | 1" | 2-3/8" |
| Pool deck | 6" | 1" | 2-3/8" |
| Residential driveway | 8-10" | 1" | 3-1/8" |
| Commercial driveway | 10-12" | 1" | 3-1/8" |
| Heavy vehicle area | 12-16" | 1" | 3-1/8" |
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of sand is used for paver bedding?
Use concrete sand (also called C-33 sand or coarse washed sand) for the bedding layer. It has angular particles that compact well and provide good drainage. Never use mason sand, play sand, or beach sand — these are too fine and will not compact properly, leading to settling and unevenness.
What type of gravel is best for the paver base?
Use 3/4-inch crushed stone (also called process gravel, road base, or crusher run) for the base layer. It contains a mix of stone sizes and fines that compact into a solid, stable base. Avoid round river gravel — it doesn't compact or interlock. The base should be compacted in 2-inch lifts with a plate compactor.
How much does a cubic yard of gravel weigh?
Crushed gravel weighs approximately 2,800 lbs (1.4 tons) per cubic yard. One cubic yard covers about 54 sq ft at 6 inches deep, or 108 sq ft at 3 inches deep. A standard dump truck holds 10-14 cubic yards. Order by the ton for best pricing from quarries and landscape suppliers.
Can I use regular sand instead of polymeric sand?
You can use regular joint sand, but polymeric sand is strongly recommended. Regular sand washes out during rain, allows weed growth, and permits ant colonization. Polymeric sand hardens when wet, preventing these issues. It costs more upfront but saves significant maintenance time and keeps your paver installation looking professional.
How do I calculate sand for an irregular shaped area?
Break irregular shapes into rectangles, triangles, and circles. Calculate each section's area separately, then add them together for total square footage. For curved areas, use the closest geometric approximation. It's better to slightly overestimate — leftover sand and gravel can be used for other landscaping projects.
Should I compact the bedding sand before laying pavers?
No — do not compact the bedding sand before laying pavers. Screed it to a uniform 1-inch depth using pipes or rails as guides, then lay pavers directly on the loose sand. After all pavers are placed, run a plate compactor over the entire surface to settle pavers into the sand and lock them together.