Calculate bedding sand and joint sand for pavers. Enter area to get tons of leveling sand and bags of polymeric joint sand.
Paver installation requires two types of sand: bedding sand (a 1-inch leveling layer between the compacted gravel base and the pavers) and joint sand (fills the gaps between pavers after installation). Both serve critical functions — bedding sand provides a smooth, level surface for setting pavers, while joint sand locks pavers together and prevents lateral movement.
This calculator estimates the quantity of both bedding sand and joint sand needed for your project. Bedding sand is measured in tons or cubic yards, while joint sand (especially polymeric sand) is measured in bags.
Polymeric sand has become the standard for paver joints because it hardens when moistened and compacted, creating a firm joint that resists erosion, weed growth, and insect penetration.
Accurate calculation of this value helps construction professionals plan projects more effectively, reduce material waste, and ensure compliance with building codes and industry standards. Tracking this metric throughout the project lifecycle helps project managers identify potential issues early and maintain quality standards from foundation to final inspection.
Bedding sand and joint sand are separate purchases with different quantities. This calculator gives you both amounts so you can order everything at once. Using the right amount of bedding sand ensures a consistent 1-inch bed — too thick and it compresses unevenly; too thin and you can't level properly.
Bedding sand volume = Area × 1 inch ÷ 12 Bedding sand tons = Volume (ft³) × 100 lbs/ft³ ÷ 2000 Joint sand: ~0.5 lb/ft² for standard pavers Polymeric bags = Total joint sand ÷ bag weight
Result: 1.25 tons bedding + 3 bags joint sand
Bedding: 300 ft² × 1"/12 = 25 ft³. At 100 lbs/ft³: 2,500 lbs = 1.25 tons. Joint sand: 300 × 0.5 lbs = 150 lbs. At 50 lbs/bag = 3 bags of polymeric sand.
Set two 1-inch diameter pipes (or screed rails) parallel on the compacted base, spaced 6–8 feet apart. Fill between with concrete sand and drag a straight board across the rails to create a uniform 1-inch bed. Remove the rails and fill the voids by hand.
Sweep polymeric sand into dry joints using a push broom. Ensure all joints are completely filled. Remove all excess sand from paver surfaces before wetting — any residue will cause permanent haze. Mist with a gentle shower setting, not a direct stream.
Wide joints (1/4"+) increase joint sand usage by 50–100%. Tumbled pavers with irregular edges require 10–20% more joint sand than smooth-edge pavers. Always buy an extra bag of polymeric sand for touch-ups.
Concrete sand (ASTM C-33) is the standard bedding sand for pavers. It's a coarse, washed sand that compacts well and provides good drainage. Don't use play sand, mason sand, or polymeric sand for bedding.
Exactly 1 inch. Bedding sand thicker than 1 inch compresses unevenly and can cause paver settlement. Thinner than 1 inch doesn't provide enough material for leveling. Use screed rails to ensure uniform depth.
Polymeric sand is a blend of fine sand and polymer binders that hardens when moistened. It's swept into paver joints, then activated with water to create a firm, flexible joint that resists erosion, weeds, and insects.
Approximately 1 bag (50 lbs) per 75–100 ft² for standard 2-3/8" thick pavers with 1/8" joints. Wider joints or thicker pavers require more sand. Check the bag label for the specific product's coverage rate.
Old bedding sand can be reused if it's clean conrete sand in good condition. Old joint sand — especially polymeric — should be removed and replaced when re-laying pavers. Contaminated or deteriorated sand should be discarded.
Stone dust (crusher screenings) retains moisture and can become unstable when saturated. ICPI (Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute) recommends concrete sand, not stone dust, for paver bedding.