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Paver Sand Calculator

Calculate the 1-inch bedding sand layer plus the fine joint sand required between interlocking pavers.

Paver Sand Requirements

Real-Time
Bedding Sand Volume
0.00 yd³
0 tons (Coarse Washed Sand)
Joint Sand Bags (50 lb)
0 Bags
Polymeric or fine silica sand
Bedding Sand Bags (50 lb)
0 Bags
If purchasing pre-bagged
Total Surface Area
0 sq ft
Coverage area
Visual Engineering

Paver Bedding & Polymeric Joint Strata

Herringbone paver blocks with 1-inch sharp bedding sand cushion and 4-inch compacted sub-base.

4" (100mm) MOT Type 1 Crushed Sub-Base 1-INCH (25MM) SHARP BEDDING SAND PAVER EQUATIONS • Bedding yd³ = (Sq.Ft × 1") / 324 • Polymeric: 1 Bag (50lb) / 75 sq ft • Sharp Sand screed: uncompacted 1" • Joint Width: 3mm to 5mm standard

Paver Bedding & Polymeric Joint Strata

Herringbone paver blocks with 1-inch sharp bedding sand cushion and 4-inch compacted sub-base.

Mathematical Theory

Engineering Calculations & Formulas

Mathematical formulas and engineering constants powering this calculator.

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1-Inch Bedding Sand Formula

Computes bulk cubic yards needed for a uniform 1-inch bedding layer.

Bedding yd³ = (Paver Area sq ft × 1.0 inch) / 324
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Polymeric Joint Bag Count

Calculates bags of polymeric locking sand for joint stabilization.

50lb Bags = ⌈ Paver Area / 75 sq ft (standard joint) ⌉
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Bedding Sand Tonnage

Converts bedding cubic yardage to dry sharp sand delivery tonnage.

Bedding Tons = Bedding yd³ × 1.35 Tons/yd³

Paver Installation Sand Layers

  • Bedding Layer: ICPI standards recommend exactly 1 inch (25mm) of uncompacted coarse concrete sand (ASTM C33). Never exceed 1.5 inches to prevent rutting.
  • Joint Sand: Polymeric sand locks the pavers together, prevents weed growth, and resists ant infestation. 1 bag (50 lb) typically covers 60–80 sq ft of standard pavers.

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