Paver Sand & Base Calculator

Plan patios, walkways, and driveways with precise material takeoffs including base quantities. Adjust base depth, sand layers, joint width, and compaction factors quickly onsite. Calculate paver count, volumes, weights, and bags required with confidence for projects. Download CSV and PDF reports with clean formatting.

Project Inputs
Unit system
Applied to paver count and materials.
ft
ft
ft²
in in
Used for paver count estimate.
in
in
Affects jointing sand bags estimate.
in
in
Purchase volume = compacted volume × factor.
lb/ft³
lb/ft³
lb
Estimate uses typical coverage vs joint width.
Results
ItemValue
Values include waste factor where noted. Bags rounded up separately.
Example Data Table

Precomputed scenarios using defaults unless specified. Adjust to match your project.

Scenario Area Base yd³ Sand yd³ Joint bags Paver count

Formula Used

  • Area A = L × W (rectangular) or direct entry.
  • Compacted base volume Vb,c = A × tb. Purchase volume Vb,p = Vb,c × CFb.
  • Compacted sand volume Vs,c = A × ts. Purchase volume Vs,p = Vs,c × CFs.
  • Mass m = V × ρ. Convert to tons as needed.
  • Paver count N = A / (Lp × Wp) × (1 + w), where w is waste fraction.
  • Jointing sand estimated from coverage curve vs joint width: bags per 100 ft² increase roughly linearly with joint width. Rounded up.

How to Use This Calculator

  1. Choose the unit system and area mode. Enter length, width, or area.
  2. Set base and bedding thicknesses as compacted values, not loose.
  3. Enter paver size and joint width; adjust waste percentage for cuts.
  4. Optionally adjust compaction factors and material densities for suppliers.
  5. Press Calculate to see material volumes, weights, and counts.
  6. Use Download CSV or Download PDF to export results.
  7. Review example scenarios for a quick sense of typical quantities.

FAQs

We use a coverage curve vs joint width typical of polymeric sands. Actual coverage varies with paver shape, chamfers, and joint depth. Always check brand datasheets.

Typical loose-to-compacted factors are 1.08–1.15 for crushed aggregate and 1.05–1.12 for bedding sand. Ask your supplier for material-specific values.

Yes. Densities vary with rock type, gradation, and moisture. Adjust the defaults to match your supplier’s quoted values for better weight estimates.

Yes. Switch to the metric unit system. All inputs and outputs convert automatically, including densities, depths, and bag weights.

Patios often use 4–6 inches, walkways 4 inches, and driveways 8–12 inches or more, depending on soil and loads. Follow local standards and engineer guidance.

Thickness does not change base or sand volumes directly, but it influences joint depth, paver count, and structural suitability for traffic.

Edge restraints and spikes are not quantified here. Include them separately per manufacturer recommendations or add a line item to your takeoff.

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Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.