1. What is a Mortar Calculator for Paving?

Definition: This calculator estimates the amount of mortar needed for paving projects based on the area, bedding depth, mortar ratio, and yield per bag.

Purpose: It helps landscapers and DIYers determine how much mortar is required for laying paving slabs or bricks.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( M \) — Mortar volume (bags)
• \( A \) — Paving area (square feet)
• \( D \) — Bedding depth (inches)
• \( R \) — Mortar ratio (unitless)
• \( Y \) — Yield per bag (cubic feet per bag)

Explanation: The area is multiplied by depth and ratio to get total volume, then divided by yield per bag to determine number of bags needed.

3. Importance of Mortar Calculation

Details: Accurate mortar estimation ensures proper slab bedding, prevents material waste, and helps with project budgeting.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the paving area in ft², bedding depth (default 1.5 inches), mortar ratio (default 1.1), and yield per bag (default 0.3 ft³/bag). All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a typical bedding depth?
A: Most paving projects use 1-2 inches of mortar bedding, with 1.5 inches being common for standard applications.

Q2: What does the mortar ratio represent?
A: The ratio accounts for mortar shrinkage and waste during application. 1.1 means adding 10% extra to the calculated volume.

Q3: How do I find the yield per bag?
A: Check the manufacturer's specifications on the mortar bag. Typical mortar yields about 0.3 ft³ per 50 lb bag.

Q4: Does this include joint mortar?
A: No, this calculates bedding mortar only. Add additional mortar for joints if needed.

Q5: Should I round up the result?
A: Yes, always round up to the nearest whole bag to ensure you have enough material.