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This sand calculator tells you how much sand you need for a project in cubic yards, cubic meters, tons, tonnes and bags. Enter the length, width and depth of the area and it converts the volume to weight using a typical density for dry sand, so you can order the right amount from a supplier.
How to Use the Sand Calculator
- Measure the length and width of the area.
- Enter the depth of sand you need.
- Keep an allowance of about 10% for compaction, uneven ground and spillage.
- Optionally enter the price per ton to estimate the cost.
Sand Formula
Volume = Length × Width × Depth
Weight = Volume × Density (≈1.6 t/m³ or ≈2,700 lb per cu yd)
Sand is sold by volume (cubic yards or cubic meters) or by weight (tons or tonnes), so the calculator shows both.
Example
A 10 × 10 ft area filled 2 inches deep needs 16.7 cu ft of sand. With 10% extra that is 18.3 cu ft, or 0.68 cu yd, which weighs about 0.92 tons (roughly 37 bags of 50 lb).
How Much Does Sand Weigh?
| Sand type | Approximate weight |
|---|---|
| Dry sand | about 1.6 t/m³ (2,700 lb per cu yd, 100 lb per cu ft) |
| Damp sand | about 1.7–1.9 t/m³ |
| Wet, saturated sand | about 2.0 t/m³ |
Typical Sand Depths
| Project | Typical depth |
|---|---|
| Paver bedding layer | 1 in (2.5 cm) |
| Sandbox | 6–12 in (15–30 cm) |
| Under an above-ground pool | 2 in (5 cm) |
| Leveling a lawn (topdressing) | ¼–½ in |
| Volleyball court | 12 in or more |
Which Sand Should I Buy?
- Concrete (sharp) sand: coarse and angular, used for paver bedding and concrete mixes.
- Play sand: washed and screened, for sandboxes.
- Masonry sand: fine and uniform, for mortar.
- Polymeric sand: sold in bags for filling paver joints.
Laying a patio? Use the paver calculator for pavers, base gravel and sand together.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a cubic yard of sand weigh?
Dry sand weighs about 2,700 lb (1.35 tons) per cubic yard. Wet sand can weigh over 3,000 lb.
How much sand do I need for pavers?
About 1 inch of bedding sand under pavers, which is roughly 1 cubic yard per 324 sq ft.
How many bags of sand are in a ton?
There are 40 bags of 50 lb in a US ton (2,000 lb).
How much sand does a sandbox need?
A 4 × 4 ft sandbox filled 8 inches deep needs about 10.7 cu ft, or roughly 1,070 lb of play sand.
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