Sand Calculator
Estimate how many tons, cubic yards, or bags of sand you need for a sandbox, paver base, or masonry project.
On this page
Dry, damp, masonry, concrete, and play sand differ. Replace the default with a supplier value when weight matters.
Sand Volume Measurement
Enter the measured length, width, and planned depth. Sand depth depends on the project and system specification, whether it is a sandbox, masonry application, or paver bedding layer.
How to Use the Sand Calculator
Because sand is incredibly heavy and dense, a careful estimate helps reduce excess delivery cost and repeat trips.
- 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 for many bulk deliveries and bags. We calculate volume first, then use the selected density to estimate 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 × Selected Density in lb/ft³) ÷ 2,000
The 100 lb/ft³ default is a planning value; dry, damp, masonry, concrete, and play sand differ.
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).
- Related material: If you need other materials for this project, check out our Gravel Calculator.
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.
Transparent estimate
Accuracy, assumptions, and sources
Reviewed September 29, 2026
Volume is calculated from measured dimensions; weight uses an editable planning density.
What this estimate assumes
- Default density is 100 lb/ft³.
- Bag count assumes 50 lb bags and rounds upward.
What it cannot know
- Dry, damp, masonry, concrete, and play sands do not share one exact density.
Reference links
- NIST Guide for SI unit conversion
- Use the product label or a current supplier quote for coverage, density, and pack size
Found a questionable result? Report the inputs and result so the calculation can be rechecked.
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?
Many interlocking-paver systems use a screeded bedding layer near 1 inch, but the required material and depth depend on the system. Follow the paver manufacturer or project specification.
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.