Sand Calculator
Calculate how much sand you need in tons, cubic yards, or bags.
This tool is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional financial, medical, legal, or engineering advice. See Terms of Service.
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Request a ToolHow to Use the Sand Calculator
This calculator figures out how much sand you need for any project by converting area and depth into tons, cubic yards, and bag counts. Here is how to get an accurate estimate:
- Enter the area dimensions. Type the length and width of the area in feet. For irregular shapes, break the area into rectangles, calculate each one separately, and add the results together.
- Set the depth. Enter how deep you need the sand in inches. A sandbox typically uses 6-12 inches. A paver base uses 1 inch of sand over a compacted gravel sub-base. Leveling an area usually needs 1-2 inches. For a volleyball court, 12-18 inches is common.
- Add a price per unit if you want a cost estimate. Enter what your supplier charges per ton or per cubic yard, then select the matching price unit. This field is optional. Leave it blank if you only need the volume.
- Read your results. The calculator shows tons as the primary result since most bulk sand suppliers sell by the ton. You also get cubic yards for suppliers who sell by the yard, plus the number of 50 lb bags if you plan to buy bagged sand at a hardware store.
Results update live as you type. Use the Share button to send your inputs to a supplier or contractor, or Copy to paste the result into a message or quote.
About the Sand Calculator
Sand is sold by the ton for bulk deliveries and by the 50 lb bag for small projects. The density of sand varies depending on moisture content and particle size, but dry construction sand averages approximately 1.35 tons per cubic yard (2,700 lbs per cubic yard). This calculator uses that figure for all estimates.
The volume formula is straightforward: multiply length by width (both in feet) by depth (converted from inches to feet by dividing by 12). That gives cubic feet. Divide by 27 to get cubic yards, then multiply by 1.35 to get tons. Bag count rounds up to the nearest whole bag so you never run short. All calculations run entirely in your browser with no data stored or transmitted.
For large projects like a volleyball court or horse arena, bulk delivery by the ton is almost always more economical. For small projects like a sandbox or leveling a patio, bagged sand from a hardware store may be more practical. One ton of sand fills roughly 15 standard 50 lb bags, but buying in bulk saves significantly on per-unit cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much sand do I need for a 8x8 ft sandbox at 6 inches deep?
An 8x8 foot sandbox at 6 inches deep requires approximately 32 cubic feet of sand, which is about 1.19 cubic yards or 1.6 tons. That works out to roughly 64 bags of 50 lb sand. In practice, most sandbox projects use slightly less because children do not fill it to the absolute brim. Ordering 1.5-2 tons of bulk sand or about 50-60 bags should be sufficient for a standard backyard sandbox at 6 inches deep.
How many tons of sand are in a cubic yard?
One cubic yard of dry construction sand weighs approximately 1.35 tons (2,700 lbs). This figure is a reliable average for most types of construction sand including washed concrete sand, play sand, and masonry sand. Wet sand is heavier, approaching 1.6-1.8 tons per cubic yard, so if your sand will be wet when delivered or during installation, factor that into any weight limits for trucks or hauling equipment.
How deep should the sand base be under pavers?
The sand layer under pavers should be 1 inch deep, compacted to about 1 inch after screeding. The sand layer is not the structural base: that job belongs to the compacted gravel sub-base, which should be 4-6 inches deep for foot traffic and 6-8 inches for driveways. The sand layer sits on top of the gravel base and serves only to provide a level, fine-grade bedding surface for the pavers. Using more than 1 inch of sand under pavers can cause settling and instability over time.
What is the difference between play sand, concrete sand, and masonry sand?
Play sand is finely graded, washed, and screened to remove sharp edges and contaminants. It is safe for sandboxes and children. Concrete sand (also called coarse sand or C-33 sand) has larger, angular particles that interlock well with cement and aggregate. It is used in concrete mixes, as a paver base layer, and for drainage applications. Masonry sand is finer than concrete sand, washed clean, and used in mortar for laying bricks and blocks. All three have similar densities, so this calculator works for any of them.