DIY paver guide
How Much Sand Do I Need Under Pavers?
For a common 1 inch bedding sand layer, multiply paver area by 1/12 ft, then convert to cubic yards and add waste. A 12x12 patio needs about 0.49 cubic yards with 10% allowance.
Quick answer
- A 1 inch screeded bedding layer is a common planning default.
- Do not use extra bedding sand to compensate for an uneven base.
- Use bag volume for bag count or cubic yards for bulk ordering.
Interactive estimator
Bedding Sand calculator
Example 10x10 patio: bedding sand is about 0.34 cu yd or 19 half-cubic-foot bags.
Use the calculator to adjust sand depth, waste allowance, and bag size before ordering.
Sand formula
Area x sand depth gives the bedding sand volume. Because 1 inch is 1/12 of a foot, 144 sq ft at 1 inch equals 12 cubic feet before allowance.
With 10% allowance, that becomes 13.2 cubic feet, or about 0.49 cubic yards.
Bedding sand vs leveling mistakes
Bedding sand is for setting pavers on a consistent screeded layer. It should not be used as a thick leveling layer over a low or poorly compacted base.
If the base is uneven, correct and compact the base before screeding sand.
Helpful next step
Use the complete paver material calculator when you want one combined order list for pavers, base, bedding sand, polymeric sand, edging, and cost. Use the focused calculators when you need to tune one material at a time.