Sand calculator
Work out how much sand a project needs from its length, width and depth, in tons, cubic yards and cubic feet.
Sand calculator
Work out how much sand a project needs from its length, width and depth, in tons, cubic yards and cubic feet.
Enter length, width and depth to estimate the sand you need.
Sand needed
Project summary
How it works
Estimate only. Sand density varies with grain size and moisture; use a supplier figure if you have one, and confirm the order with your supplier before delivery.
Sand calculator
Volume first, then weight
Sand is bought by weight, but the amount you need starts as a volume: length times width times depth. That volume is then converted to weight using a density figure, since sand sold by the ton is measured by weight at the yard, not by the cubic foot. This calculator uses a default density and a waste allowance, both editable through the underlying assumptions.
Density varies by grain size and moisture
The density used here is a working assumption, not a fixed constant. Sand density genuinely changes with grain size, how it was screened and how much moisture it is carrying when weighed. If your supplier gives you a density or weight-per-yard figure, use that instead of the default for a more accurate order.
Frequently asked questions
How much sand do I need for a 10 by 10 foot area at 2 inches deep?
At the default density, a 10 by 10 foot area at a 2 inch depth needs roughly 1.5 tons of sand before waste. Enter your own dimensions above for the exact figure, since actual density varies by sand type.
Why does this calculator show tons and cubic yards?
Sand is typically priced and delivered by the ton, but volume in cubic yards is the number most suppliers and rental equipment ask for when quoting a load. Showing both lets you check the order against either figure.
How many bags of sand do I need for a 10 by 10 foot area?
At 2 inches deep, 100 square feet needs about 16.7 cubic feet, which is 34 bags at 0.5 cubic feet each. At 3 inches deep, that increases to about 51 bags. The calculator works this out based on the bag size you enter, since bags sold by weight and bags sold by volume hold different amounts depending on the sand's density.
How much does a ton of sand cost?
Sand prices vary widely by region, sand type and delivery distance, which is why this calculator asks for your quote rather than assuming a national average. Enter your price per ton in the cost section above, along with any delivery fee and sales tax, and the calculator works out the total for your actual quantity.
What is the difference between play sand and builder's sand?
Play sand is finely screened and washed, safe for children's play areas. Builder's sand, also called concrete sand or sharp sand, is coarser and used for mixing concrete, laying pavers and creating bedding layers. The calculator works with any sand type at the density you enter, since the volume calculation is the same regardless of the grade.
How much sand do I need for a paver base?
A 1 inch bedding layer is standard for most paver installations. For a 200 square foot patio, that is about 16.7 cubic feet or roughly 0.62 cubic yards of sand. The calculator works this out from your area and bedding depth, and shows the sand separately from the base stone since they are different materials.
How many cubic yards of sand are in a ton?
At a typical 1.35 tons per cubic yard for bedding sand, one ton is about 0.74 cubic yards. The exact figure depends on the sand's density, which varies with grain size and moisture content. The calculator converts between tons and cubic yards automatically based on the density you select, showing both figures side by side.
Can I use sand instead of gravel for drainage?
Sand does not drain as well as gravel because its smaller particles pack more tightly and leave smaller voids. For drainage applications, clean angular gravel is generally the better choice. Sand is more commonly used as a bedding layer under pavers or as a component in concrete mixes, where its fine texture is an advantage rather than a limitation.