DIY paver guide
Patio Sand Calculator
Use this patio sand calculator to estimate the bedding sand or paving sand layer under pavers. A 1 inch screeded layer with 10% allowance needs about 0.34 cu yd for a 10x10 patio and 0.49 cu yd for a 12x12 patio.
Quick answer
- A 10x10 patio needs about 0.34 cu yd or 19 half-cubic-foot bags of bedding sand.
- A 12x16 patio needs about 0.65 cu yd or 36 half-cubic-foot bags.
- Use the sand layer for setting pavers, not for fixing an uneven or poorly compacted base.
Patio bedding sand estimates
| Patio size | Sand depth | Cubic yards | 0.5 cu ft bags | Bulk cost range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10x10 ft | 1 in | 0.34 | 19 | $20-$28 |
| 12x12 ft | 1 in | 0.49 | 27 | $29-$40 |
| 12x16 ft | 1 in | 0.65 | 36 | $38-$53 |
| 16x20 ft | 1 in | 1.09 | 59 | $64-$89 |
Assumes 10% allowance, 0.5 cu ft bags, and $65 per cubic yard bedding sand.
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.
Calculate paving sand by area
The formula is patio area x bedding sand depth. For a 1 inch layer, divide the square footage by 12 to get cubic feet before allowance, then add waste and convert to cubic yards or bags.
This page targets patio sand, paver sand, and paving sand wording because homeowners and suppliers use those terms interchangeably for the screeded bedding layer.
Bedding sand is not base material
Keep the bedding layer consistent. If the patio grade is low, correct the compacted base rather than adding extra sand.
Use the paver base calculator for road base, base rock, or crushed aggregate under the sand layer.
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.