Sand Calculator
Estimate cubic yards, tons, and bags of sand
Surface area to fill with sand
Desired sand depth (1" paver base, 6"+ sandbox)
Tons
—
tons
Bags (50 lb)
—
bags
Cubic Yards
—
cu yd
Disclaimer: Results are estimates based on standard formulas. Not a substitute for professional advice from a licensed contractor, engineer, or architect. Verify all calculations before making purchasing or construction decisions.
How to Use This Calculator
Ordering sand for a patio, sandbox, or leveling job? Getting the volume right prevents shortages and overspending. Our calculator converts area and depth into cubic yards, tons, and 50 lb bags.
- Measure the length and width of the area to fill
- Determine the sand depth — 1" for paver base, 6"+ for sandboxes
- Enter the area and depth into the calculator
- Add 10% extra for compaction and uneven base
Expert Insights
Smart analysis for your Sand project
Sand Type Selection
Use coarse builder's sand under pavers and play sand for sandboxes. Mason sand is finer and works well for masonry joints and volleyball courts.
Weight Conversion
Sand weighs about 1.35 tons per cubic yard when dry. Wet sand is up to 15% heavier — keep moisture in mind when ordering by weight.
Compaction Factor
Sand compacts 10-15% when tamped. Always order extra for paver bases so the final level is even after compaction and screeding.
Calculation Formula
Cubic yards = (Area × Depth) / 324
Tons = Cubic yards × 1.35 (rounded up to 0.1)
Bags = Cubic yards × 54 (50 lb bags, rounded up)
Sand Type Comparison
| Sand Type | Best Use | Cost per Ton | Bags/cu yd (50 lb) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Builder's Sand (Coarse) | Paver base, leveling | $25-45 | 54 | Angular, compacts well |
| Mason Sand | Mortar joints, play areas | $30-55 | 54 | Finer, smoother texture |
| Play Sand | Sandboxes, volleyball | $40-70 | 54 | Washed, safe for kids |
Authority References
Our calculations are based on guidelines and standards from these authoritative sources:
- Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI) — Paver Installation Guidelines. Learn more
- American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) — Standard Specifications for Aggregate and Sand. Learn more
- National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) — Landscape Construction Standards. Learn more
Frequently Asked Questions
How much sand do I need for a paver base?
For a standard paver base, use 1 inch of sand over 4-6 inches of gravel. A 100 sq ft patio at 1 inch depth needs about 0.31 cubic yards or roughly 17 fifty-pound bags of sand.
How many 50 lb bags of sand are in a cubic yard?
There are approximately 54 fifty-pound bags of sand per cubic yard. A 50 lb bag of sand covers about 0.5 cubic feet.
How much does a cubic yard of sand weigh?
A cubic yard of dry sand weighs about 1.35 tons (2,700 lb). Wet sand is heavier at roughly 1.5 tons per cubic yard.