1. What is a Sand and Cement Calculator for Paving Slabs?

Definition: This calculator estimates the volume of mortar needed for bedding paving slabs based on area, depth, mix ratio, and cement yield.

Purpose: It helps landscapers and DIYers determine how much sand and cement mixture is required for paving projects.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( M \) — Mortar volume (cubic feet)
• \( A \) — Area to be paved (square feet)
• \( D \) — Bedding depth (inches)
• \( R \) — Mortar ratio (typically 4:1 sand:cement)
• \( Y \) — Yield per bag of cement (cubic feet per bag)

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

3. Importance of Mortar Calculation

Details: Proper mortar estimation ensures stable paving, prevents slab movement, and helps with accurate material purchasing.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the area in square feet, bedding depth (default 1.5 inches), mortar ratio (default 4), and yield per bag (default 1.25 ft³/bag). All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a typical bedding depth?
A: Most paving slabs require 1-2 inches of mortar bedding for proper support.

Q2: What does the mortar ratio mean?
A: A ratio of 4 means 4 parts sand to 1 part cement by volume.

Q3: When would I change the ratio?
A: Use 3:1 for heavier loads or 5:1 for lighter applications. Always follow manufacturer recommendations.

Q4: How do I find the yield per bag?
A: Check the cement bag specifications - standard is about 1.25 ft³ per 50lb bag when mixed.

Q5: Does this include jointing sand?
A: No, this calculates only the bedding mortar. You'll need additional sand for filling joints.