Sand Calculator
Calculate exactly how many tons, cubic yards, or bags of sand you need for a sandbox, paver base, or masonry project.
On this page
Sand Volume Measurement
Whether you are building a children's sandbox (6-8 inches deep) or laying a leveling base for patio pavers (exactly 1 inch deep), input your dimensions here.
How to Use the Sand Calculator
Because sand is incredibly heavy and dense, buying the exact right amount is important to avoid excessive delivery fees or multiple trips to the hardware store.
- Measure your area: Enter the length and width of the area you are filling (like a sandbox or a patio base) in feet.
- Determine your depth: Enter the thickness of the sand layer in inches. (1 inch for pavers, 6+ inches for sandboxes).
- Review the output: The calculator will tell you if you need bulk delivery (tons/yards) or if you can just buy 50 lb retail bags.
Sand Volume Formula
Sand is sold by weight (tons) for bulk delivery and by weight (lbs) for bags. We calculate the volume first, then use average sand density to find the weight.
Step 1: Calculate Volume
Volume (ft³) = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × (Depth in inches ÷ 12)
Step 2: Convert to Yards
Cubic Yards = Cubic Feet ÷ 27
Step 3: Convert to Tons
Tons = (Cubic Feet × 100 lbs) ÷ 2000 lbs
Note: The average density of dry sand is roughly 100 pounds per cubic foot.
Sand Example Calculation
You are building a 10-foot by 10-foot paver patio and need a 1-inch layer of bedding sand.
- Area: 10 × 10 = 100 square feet.
- Volume: 100 × (1/12) = 8.33 cubic feet.
- Yards: 8.33 ÷ 27 = 0.3 cubic yards.
- Weight: (8.33 × 100) = 833 lbs (or about 0.4 tons).
Conclusion: Since you only need 833 lbs, you can easily buy seventeen 50-lb bags from the hardware store rather than paying for a bulk delivery.
Tips for Working with Sand
- Buy the right type: Use "Play Sand" for sandboxes, "Concrete Sand" or "Bedding Sand" under pavers, and "Polymeric Sand" for sweeping into the joints between pavers to lock them in place.
- Screeding: When using sand as a base for pavers, use two 1-inch PVC pipes laid flat on the ground. Pour sand over them, and use a straight 2x4 piece of lumber (a "screed") to drag the sand flat along the pipes for a perfectly level 1-inch surface.
- Account for moisture: Bulk sand stored outdoors at a landscape supply yard is usually wet. Wet sand weighs significantly more than dry sand, so be careful not to overload your pickup truck.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much sand do I need for a sandbox?
For a standard children's sandbox, a depth of 6 to 8 inches of play sand is recommended. For a 4x4 foot sandbox at 6 inches deep, you will need approximately 8 cubic feet of sand (or about sixteen 50-lb bags).
How much does a cubic yard of sand weigh?
Dry sand weighs approximately 2,600 to 2,700 lbs (about 1.35 tons) per cubic yard. Wet sand is significantly heavier, often reaching up to 3,200 lbs (1.6 tons) per cubic yard.
How thick should a sand base be for pavers?
When laying a patio or walkway with pavers, you should use exactly 1 inch of concrete sand (also known as bedding sand) spread evenly over your compacted gravel base. Do not use more than 1 inch, or your pavers will become unstable.
What is the difference between play sand and masonry sand?
Play sand has been washed and sifted to remove large grains, making it soft and safe for children. Masonry sand (or builder's sand) is coarser and is used for mixing concrete or mortar.