Sand Calculator — Cubic Yards and Tons Needed
Calculate how much sand you need in cubic yards, tons, and bags for your project. See also Gravel Calculator and Concrete Calculator.
Area Dimensions
How to Calculate Sand Needed
1. Measure the length and width of the area in feet. 2. Determine the desired depth in inches. 3. Calculate volume: Length x Width x (Depth / 12) to get cubic feet. 4. Divide cubic feet by 27 to get cubic yards. 5. Multiply cubic yards by the sand density and divide by 2000 to get tons.
Sand Volume and Weight Formula
Volume (cu ft) = Length (ft) x Width (ft) x Depth (in) / 12
Cubic Yards = Volume (cu ft) / 27
Tons = Cubic Yards x Density (lb/yd3) / 2000
Bags (50 lb) = Tons x 2000 / 50
Densities:
All-Purpose: 2,700 lb/yd3
Mason Sand: 2,500 lb/yd3
Play Sand: 2,600 lb/yd3
Paver Base: 2,800 lb/yd3
Example
Calculate sand for a 10 ft x 10 ft patio at 2 inches deep:
Volume = 10 x 10 x (2/12) = 16.67 cu ft
Cubic Yards = 16.67 / 27 = 0.62 yd3
Tons = 0.62 x 2700 / 2000 = 0.83 tons
Bags (50 lb) = 0.83 x 2000 / 50 = 34 bags
Sand Coverage Reference Table
| Area (sq ft) | 2" Deep (yd3) | 3" Deep (yd3) | 4" Deep (yd3) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 0.31 | 0.46 | 0.62 |
| 100 | 0.62 | 0.93 | 1.23 |
| 150 | 0.93 | 1.39 | 1.85 |
| 200 | 1.23 | 1.85 | 2.47 |
| 300 | 1.85 | 2.78 | 3.70 |
| 400 | 2.47 | 3.70 | 4.94 |
| 500 | 3.09 | 4.63 | 6.17 |
| 750 | 4.63 | 6.94 | 9.26 |
| 1000 | 6.17 | 9.26 | 12.35 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a cubic yard of sand weigh?
A cubic yard of sand weighs between 2,500 and 2,800 pounds (1.25-1.4 tons) depending on the type and moisture content. Wet sand is heavier than dry sand.
How many bags of sand do I need?
A 50-lb bag of sand covers about 0.5 cubic feet. For a 100 sq ft area at 2 inches deep, you need approximately 34 bags. Use bulk delivery for areas over 200 sq ft to save money.
What type of sand should I use for pavers?
Use coarse bedding sand (concrete sand) as a base layer under pavers, and polymeric sand to fill joints between pavers. Play sand is too fine for paver installations.
How deep should sand be under pavers?
The sand bedding layer under pavers should be 1 inch deep after compaction. Start with 1.5 inches of loose sand to achieve 1 inch after screeding and compaction.
How much does sand cost?
Bulk sand costs $15-$40 per ton delivered. Bagged sand from hardware stores costs $3-$6 per 50-lb bag. Bulk is significantly cheaper for projects needing more than half a ton.