Free Calculator
Paver Patio Calculator — How Much Base + Sand Do I Need?
Tons of base and cubic yards of bedding sand for your patio.
3. Enter Dimensions
Your order summary lands here
As soon as the dimensions are valid, you will see the recommended quantity, truckload count, and the ZIP pricing step.
A paver patio is built on a compacted base of crushed concrete or limerock topped with a 1-inch screeded mason sand bed. Use this calculator to size the bedding sand. Pair it with the paver base calculator for the base layer.
How to use this paver patio calculator
- 1
Measure the paver area
Length × width in feet. The base layer should extend ~6 inches past the paver edge for proper support.
- 2
Use this calculator for the sand
This calculator defaults to 1-inch mason sand screeded over the compacted base — the standard setting bed.
- 3
Open the paver base calculator
Use the paver base calculator linked at the bottom of this page to size the 4-inch base layer.
- 4
Enter your ZIP
Florida ZIPs return delivered pricing.
How the math works
Setting bed sand: Length × Width × 1 inch ÷ 27 = cubic yards of mason sand. A 200 sq ft patio needs about 0.6 cubic yards of mason sand at the 1-inch screeded bed.
Base layer: same area × 4 inches (or 6 inches for driveway pavers). At 1.2 tons per cubic yard, a 200 sq ft patio needs about 3.5 tons of crushed concrete paver base.
After the pavers are laid, sweep polymeric sand into the joints, mist, and let it harden. Joint sand is a different product from bedding sand.
How much does paver patio cover?
Quick reference for how much area one ton and one cubic yard cover at common depths.
| Depth | 1 ton covers | 1 cubic yard covers |
|---|---|---|
| 1" | 249 sq ft | 324 sq ft |
| 2" | 125 sq ft | 162 sq ft |
| 3" | 83 sq ft | 108 sq ft |
| 4" | 62 sq ft | 81 sq ft |
| 6" | 42 sq ft | 54 sq ft |
| 12" | 21 sq ft | 27 sq ft |
Assumes a density of about 1.3 tons per cubic yard, typical for mason and concrete sand. Wet or compacted sand covers slightly less per ton.
Typical quantities by project
| Project | Depth | Area | Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Backyard patio 200 sq ft | 1" | 200 sq ft | ~0.6 cy mason sand |
| Walkway 4 ft × 30 ft | 1" | 120 sq ft | ~0.4 cy mason sand |
| Pool deck 400 sq ft | 1" | 400 sq ft | ~1.2 cy mason sand |
| Front entry 80 sq ft | 1" | 80 sq ft | ~0.25 cy mason sand |
| Large patio 600 sq ft | 1" | 600 sq ft | ~1.9 cy mason sand |
Common ordering mistakes
From real deliveries, these are the mistakes we see most often. Avoiding any one of them saves a callback order.
Wrong sand grade for bedding
Mason sand is the standard. Concrete sand is too coarse. Play sand is too fine and washes out.
Sand bed too thick
1 inch is the spec. Thicker beds let pavers shift, twist, and sink unevenly.
Skipping the base
Pavers on sand on dirt is a failed patio. The compacted base under the sand is what carries the load — see the paver base calculator.
No edge restraint
Plastic or steel edging at the perimeter is mandatory. Without it the pavers spread and the joints open.
No slope
1/4 inch per foot away from the house. Flat patios pool water on the surface.
Frequently asked questions
Ready to see delivered pricing?
Jump back to the calculator to price the exact quantity for your ZIP, or request a manual quote if the project needs special handling.