Bedding sand calculator for pavers and polymeric sand calculator
Calculate bedding sand and polymeric jointing sand for any paver project, instantly. Get bags needed, cubic feet, and cost estimates. Free, no signup required.
Whether you're finishing a paver patio, a brick walkway, or a concrete paver driveway, this free paver calculator estimates both your bedding sand under the pavers and your polymeric jointing sand between the pavers in one place. Enter your project area and paver size for an instant estimate.
· Covers bedding sand, polymeric sand, and stone dust
Calculator
This calculator covers both the sand that goes under the pavers and the sand that locks the joints. Pick a project type, confirm paver size, then get bags, volume, and a material cost range in one view.
Quick examples
Select a common project size to instantly load settings into the calculator above.
Two sand types
Most paver projects require two different sand products that serve completely different purposes. Ordering one without the other is a common mistake.
Goes under the pavers
Goes between the pavers
Method
Bedding sand is simple because it covers the whole footprint. Jointing sand is more technical because it depends on how many joints exist per square foot.
Bedding sand is a flat layer of uniform thickness under the pavers.
Jointing sand depends on joint width, depth, and paver geometry.
Reference table
Larger pavers have fewer joints and therefore need less jointing sand. Click any row to load that paver size into the calculator above.
| Paver Size | Joint Linear In / sq ft | Joint Width 3/16 in | Joint Width 1/4 in | Typical 50 lb Coverage | Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 × 8 | 68 in | ~0.067 cu ft / sq ft | ~0.089 cu ft / sq ft | ~35–45 sq ft / bag | |
| 6 × 6 | 72 in | ~0.071 cu ft / sq ft | ~0.094 cu ft / sq ft | ~33–42 sq ft / bag | |
| 6 × 9 | 52 in | ~0.051 cu ft / sq ft | ~0.068 cu ft / sq ft | ~45–60 sq ft / bag | |
| 8 × 8 | 48 in | ~0.047 cu ft / sq ft | ~0.063 cu ft / sq ft | ~50–65 sq ft / bag | |
| 12 × 12 | 48 in | ~0.047 cu ft / sq ft | ~0.063 cu ft / sq ft | ~50–65 sq ft / bag | |
| 12 × 24 | 36 in | ~0.035 cu ft / sq ft | ~0.047 cu ft / sq ft | ~65–85 sq ft / bag | |
| 24 × 24 | 24 in | ~0.024 cu ft / sq ft | ~0.031 cu ft / sq ft | ~95–120 sq ft / bag |
Note: Mixed-size patterns and spacer-bar pavers can change actual coverage. Use the custom paver option above if your product dimensions do not match the standard table.
Material comparison
The right jointing material changes how often you need maintenance, how well the joints resist washout, and how polished the finished project feels.
| Feature | Regular Sand | Polymeric Sand | Stone Dust |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (50 lb bag) | $5–$10 | $20–$35 | $6–$12 |
| Weed resistance | Low | High | Moderate |
| Washout resistance | Low | High | Moderate |
| Best for | Budget / temporary | Patios, walkways, driveways | Flagstone, natural stone |
| Lifespan | 1–3 years | 5–10+ years | 2–5 years |
Want a more detailed breakdown? Read our polymeric sand vs regular sand guide.
Cost breakdown
Sand is usually a smaller line item than pavers or labor, but the right jointing sand matters for long-term performance. Pair this page with our paver cost calculator if you also want to price pavers, base, and labor.
| Sand Type | Bag Size | Price per Bag | Coverage | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coarse Bedding Sand | 60 lb | $6–$8 | ~1.35 cu ft / bag | Under all pavers |
| Regular Jointing Sand | 50 lb | $5–$10 | ~40–80 sq ft / bag | Budget projects |
| Polymeric Sand | 50 lb | $20–$35 | ~30–80 sq ft / bag | Patios, walkways, driveways |
| Polymeric Sand (HD) | 50 lb | $30–$45 | ~25–60 sq ft / bag | Driveways, heavy traffic |
| Stone Dust | 50 lb | $6–$12 | ~40–70 sq ft / bag | Flagstone, natural stone |
Applying polymeric sand correctly matters as much as ordering the right amount. See our step-by-step polymeric sand application guide before finishing the joints.
FAQ
Every answer remains visible in the DOM for accessibility and search visibility.
Bedding sand depends on area and depth. At 1 inch deep, 100 sq ft needs about 8.3 cu ft of bedding sand. Jointing sand depends on paver size, joint width, and fill depth, which is why 4 × 8 pavers need more jointing sand than 24 × 24 slabs.
A 50 lb bag of polymeric sand often covers about 30 to 80 sq ft depending on paver size and joint width. Small-format 4 × 8 pavers need more bags than larger slabs because they create more joints per square foot.
Bedding sand goes under the pavers as a thin leveling layer. Jointing sand goes between the pavers to lock the field together. They are not interchangeable and they are calculated differently.
Most standard paver projects use about 1 inch of bedding sand. Much deeper than that and the pavers can become harder to level and more likely to settle unevenly.
You can, but regular sand washes out more easily and usually needs more maintenance. Polymeric sand is more durable for finished patios, walkways, and driveways because it hardens after activation.
A 200 sq ft patio often uses roughly 4 to 6 bags of 50 lb polymeric sand depending on paver size. A patio made with 4 × 8 pavers typically needs more than a patio made with 12 × 12 slabs.
Apply polymeric sand after the pavers are installed, compacted, and fully dry. Try to work in dry weather and avoid rain for at least 24 to 48 hours after activation.
Sweep the sand into dry joints, compact the surface, sweep more sand into any low spots, clean the paver faces thoroughly, then mist with water to activate the binder. Read our application guide if you want a full step-by-step walkthrough.
