How Much Sand Do I Need for Pavers?
A paver project needs two layers: a compacted gravel base and a 1 in bedding sand layer. A 10×12 ft patio needs about 0.4 cubic yards (roughly 0.6 tons) of bedding sand. Use the Sand Calculator for your exact area.
Ready to run the numbers? Use our Sand Calculator or the Paver Calculator to get an instant material estimate.
Bedding sand vs. base gravel
Bedding sand is the thin (1 in) layer the pavers sit on; it levels the surface and locks the pavers when compacted. The base is a thicker (4–6 in) layer of crushed gravel underneath that carries the load and drains water. You need both — sand alone will not support a patio or walkway.
Calculate the bedding sand
For the 1 in bedding layer, multiply area × 1 in depth and convert to cubic yards, then to tons. Use coarse, angular bedding sand (concrete sand), not fine play sand — it locks the pavers better.
Source: 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet. Bedding/paver sand ≈ 1.4 tons/yd³.
A 10×12 ft patio (120 ft²) at 1 in deep = 10 ft³ = 0.37 yd³. With 10% waste: 0.41 yd³ × 1.4 = 0.57 tons of bedding sand.
Calculate the base gravel
For a 4–6 in compacted gravel base, run the same formula at the deeper depth. A 10×12 ft patio at 4 in of base needs about 1.5 cubic yards, or roughly 2.1 tons of crushed stone. Compact the base in 2-in lifts with a plate compactor before adding sand.
Buying and laying tips
- Use concrete (bedding) sand — angular grains lock pavers; round play sand shifts.
- Screed the sand with a straight 2×4 on pipes set to your finished height.
- After laying pavers, sweep polymeric sand into the joints and mist to lock it.
- Order sand and gravel together to split the delivery fee.
Frequently asked questions
How much sand do I need under a 10×12 paver patio?
A 1 in bedding layer over 120 ft² needs about 0.4 cubic yards, or roughly 0.6 tons of bedding sand with a 10% allowance. Add 4–6 in of compacted gravel base underneath.
How deep should the sand be under pavers?
About 1 in of bedding sand, screeded level, over a 4–6 in compacted gravel base. Thicker sand settles and causes uneven pavers; thinner sand does not level the surface.
What kind of sand goes under pavers?
Coarse, angular concrete sand (bedding sand). Avoid fine play sand — its round grains shift and let pavers settle. Sweep polymeric sand into the joints after laying to lock everything in place.
Calculators for this guide
Put these numbers to work with the free calculators referenced above.