Sand Calculator
Whether you're leveling a patio base, filling a sandbox, or bedding pavers, you need to know exactly how much sand to order. This sand calculator gives you cubic yards, tons, and 50-lb bag counts for any area and depth.
Advertisement
Calculator
See your Sand Calculator results
Enter your email to unlock results — free forever.
No spam, ever. Unsubscribe at any time.
Advertisement
Formula
Volume (cu yd) = L × W × (D/12) / 27; Tons = cu yd × 1.3
Length and width in feet, depth in inches (converted to feet by dividing by 12). Divide by 27 to get cubic yards. Multiply by 1.3 for tons (sand averages about 1.3 tons per cubic yard, varying slightly by moisture and grain size).
How to use the Sand Calculator
- 1
Enter your length (ft)
Value should be in ft.
- 2
Enter your width (ft)
Value should be in ft.
- 3
Enter your depth (in)
Value should be in in.
- 4
Read your results instantly
Results update in real time as you type.
Advertisement
Types of Sand and Their Uses
Different sand types serve different purposes. Coarse washed sand (concrete sand) is used in concrete mixes and as a base for pavers. Fine mason sand is used for mortar and as a playground fill. Fill sand is the most economical and used for general backfill and leveling. Polymeric sand contains binding agents and is used to fill paver joints, hardening to resist weeds and insects.
Paver Base Sand Thickness
For patio and walkway paver installations, a 1-inch layer of bedding sand is the standard. This thin layer is screeded smooth and provides a level, adjustable surface for setting pavers. Do not use a thicker sand layer — the ICPI (Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute) recommends exactly 1 inch of bedding sand over a compacted aggregate base. Thicker sand causes pavers to settle unevenly over time.
Tips & Insights
Compact the Layer Below
Sand is not a structural base material on its own. Always compact the subgrade and a layer of crushed stone before adding sand. Sand bedding is only for fine-tuning the level, not for structural support.
Keep Sand Dry Before Installing
Wet or saturated sand is nearly impossible to screed smooth. Have your paver sand covered or delivered just before installation, and work quickly if rain threatens.
Don't Overfill Sandbox
For children's sandboxes, 6–8 inches of depth is typical. Deeper fills waste money and make it harder for children to play. Use play sand (washed, rounded grains) rather than construction or fill sand.
Worked Examples
Paver Patio Bedding
0.93 cubic yards — about 1.2 tons of concrete sand for a 300-sq-ft paver patio bed.
Backyard Sandbox
1.58 cubic yards — about 2 tons of play sand for a generous 64-sq-ft sandbox.
Advertisement
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a ton of sand cost?
Sand prices range from $10–$50 per ton depending on type and location. Bulk delivery minimums typically start at 1–2 tons. Bagged sand at hardware stores is much more expensive per ton.
How many tons of sand are in a cubic yard?
Sand averages 1.3 tons per cubic yard, though this varies from 1.2 to 1.5 tons depending on moisture content and grain size.
How much sand do I need for a paver patio?
For 1-inch bedding sand under pavers, you need approximately 0.0031 cubic yards per square foot. A 300-sq-ft patio needs about 0.93 cubic yards (roughly 1.2 tons) of bedding sand.
Can I use play sand for a paver base?
No. Play sand has very fine, rounded grains that don't compact well and shift under load. Use coarse concrete sand or manufactured stone dust (screenings) for paver bases.
How many 50-lb bags of sand equal a yard?
One cubic yard of sand weighs about 2,700 lbs. At 50 lbs per bag, that's 54 bags per cubic yard.
Advertisement