Sand Calculator
Calculate how much sand you need for sandboxes, paver bases, concrete mixing, and landscaping projects. Enter your area dimensions and depth to get results in cubic yards, tons, and pounds.
📦 Quick Ordering Guideline
For most projects, ordering 10% extra sand accounts for compaction, spillage, and uneven ground. Sand suppliers typically sell by the ton or cubic yard; 1 cubic yard of sand weighs about 1.3 tons (2,600–2,800 lb).
- Concrete & mortar: Use clean, washed concrete sand or masonry sand.
- Play sand: Choose ASTM‑C33‑certified sand for sandboxes and playgrounds.
- Paver base: Coarse concrete sand or gravel‑sand mix compacts best.
- Landscaping & grading: Any general‑purpose fill sand works.
Tip: Call local landscape supply yards for bulk pricing—often 30‑50% cheaper than bagged sand from bagged‑sand from big‑box stores.
How to Calculate Sand
The sand calculator uses a simple volume and weight formula:
- Measure the area you want to fill in feet (length × width).
- Determine the depth in inches based on your project needs.
- Calculate volume: Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (in) ÷ 12 ÷ 27 = Cubic Yards.
- Convert to weight: Cubic Yards × Density (tons/yd³) = Tons of sand needed.
Sand Depth Guide
- 1 inch: Paver bedding layer and leveling under stone
- 1-2 inches: Leveling and grading, topdressing lawns
- 4-6 inches: Shallow sandbox, drainage base
- 6-12 inches: Sandbox play depth, deep base layers
Types of Sand and Their Uses
- All-Purpose Sand: General fill, concrete mixing, and utility projects
- Play Sand: Sandboxes, playgrounds — fine, washed, and safe for children
- Mason Sand: Mortar mixing, plastering, and between pavers (fine grain)
- Paver Sand (Sharp Sand): Base layer under pavers and flagstone — compacts well
Frequently Asked Questions
How much sand do I need for a sandbox?
For a sandbox, you need sand 6-12 inches deep. A standard 5×5 foot sandbox at 9 inches deep requires about 0.35 cubic yards (roughly 875 lbs) of play sand. An 8×8 foot sandbox at 12 inches deep needs about 0.89 cubic yards (about 2,220 lbs).
How deep should sand be under pavers?
The sand bedding layer under pavers should be 1 inch deep (25mm). This provides a level setting bed for the pavers. Use coarse, sharp sand (not play sand) for the best compaction. After screeding, do not walk on or disturb the sand bed before laying pavers.
How much does a cubic yard of sand weigh?
A cubic yard of sand weighs approximately 2,500-2,800 lbs (1.25-1.4 tons) depending on the type and moisture content. Dry sand weighs about 2,600 lbs per cubic yard, while wet sand can weigh over 3,000 lbs per cubic yard.