Polymeric Sand Calculator

Estimate the number of bags of polymeric jointing sand needed to fill the joints of a paver or patio installation.

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How to Use This Calculator

How to Use

  1. Enter the total area of paving you are jointing.
  2. Enter the size of a single paver and the joint width and depth.
  3. The calculator works out the joint volume and how many bags of polymeric sand you need.

What affects how much you need

Wider and deeper joints, and smaller pavers (which have more joints per square metre), all use more sand. Cobble setts and small clay pavers can use two to three times the sand of large concrete flags.

Tips

Polymeric sand must be swept in fully and the joints completely filled before activating with water, so it is sensible to round up. Always work on a dry surface and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for watering in.

Common Questions

How much polymeric sand do I need?

It depends on the joint size and paver size. The calculator works out the joint volume from your inputs and converts it to bags, typically covering several square metres each.

How much area does a bag of polymeric sand cover?

Coverage varies widely with joint width and depth. Narrow joints between large flags can give 8 to 10 m² per bag, while wide joints between small setts may give only 2 to 3 m².

Why do smaller pavers need more sand?

Smaller pavers have more joints per square metre, so there is more total joint volume to fill for the same area.

Can I use polymeric sand for any joint width?

Most products have a minimum and maximum joint width, often around 3 to 40mm. Check the bag, as joints outside that range may not set properly.

Should I round up the number of bags?

Yes. Joints must be filled completely before watering in, so it is better to have a spare bag than to run short partway through.

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