Contractor & construction
Sand Calculator
Calculate how much sand a bedding layer, paver base or backfill needs, in cubic yards and tons.
Result
Sand compacts. Bedding sand under pavers typically settles about 15%, so order a little over the calculated volume rather than exactly.
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About this calculator
What sand goes under pavers?
Coarse concrete or bedding sand, laid about one inch thick and screeded level. Fine play sand holds water and shifts, which is why paver installations fail on it.
How many tons is a cubic yard of sand?
About 1.35 tons dry, and more when wet, which matters because suppliers sell by weight but you calculate by volume.
The formula
cubic yards = length × width × (depth ÷ 12) ÷ 27
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