Sand Calculator
Calculate cubic yards and tons of sand for pavers, sandboxes and leveling.
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Currency: Amounts are calculated in the currency you select; this site does not convert between currencies and does not use live exchange rates.
What this tool does
This calculator determines the volume and weight of sand for a paver bedding layer, sandbox or leveling job, with dry, wet and masonry sand densities.
How to use the Sand Calculator
- Measure the length and width of the area.
- Enter the depth you want to fill.
- Choose the material so the correct density is used.
- Enter your supplier's price per ton.
- Order the volume or tonnage shown, rounded up.
Formula
yd³ = L × W × (D ÷ 12) ÷ 27; tons = yd³ × density ÷ 2,000
- L, W
- Length and width in feet
- D
- Depth in inches
- density
- Material weight in lb per cubic yard
Densities are typical loose values; moisture and gradation change actual weight by ±10%.
Worked example
A 20 × 10 ft area filled 2 in deep with sand (dry).
Inputs
- Length20 ft
- Width10 ft
- Depth2 in
- MaterialSand (dry) (2,600 lb/yd³)
- Price per ton$40
Result
- Volume needed1.23 cu yd
- Weight1.6 US tons
- Volume33.33 cu ft
- Area covered200 sq ft
- Estimated cost$64.20
Material density (per cubic yard)
| Material | Weight | US tons |
|---|---|---|
| Sand (dry) | 2,600 lb | 1.30 tons |
| Sand (wet) | 3,100 lb | 1.55 tons |
| Masonry / play sand | 2,700 lb | 1.35 tons |
Results explained
- Volume needed
- Cubic yards to order (how most yards sell bulk material).
- Weight
- Tons, for quarries that sell by weight and to check truck capacity.
- Volume (cu ft)
- Same volume in cubic feet, useful for bagged products.
- Area covered
- Surface area of the bed or base.
- Estimated cost
- Tons × your price per ton, before delivery.
Frequently asked questions
A 1-inch bedding layer: 100 sq ft needs about 0.31 cubic yards.
About 2,600 lb dry and over 3,000 lb wet.
Fill 6–12 inches deep; a 5 × 5 ft box at 8 in needs 0.62 cu yd.
About 52 bags of dry sand per cubic yard.
Polymeric or fine joint sand; bedding uses coarse concrete sand.