Sand Calculator
To find how much sand you need, multiply your area in square feet by the depth in feet, then divide by 27 to get cubic yards. This calculator sizes a paver base, sandbox, or leveling layer, and converts the result to tons and estimated cost.
- Volume
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- Weight
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How to calculate sand
- Measure the area in square feet (length × width).
- Convert the depth to feet by dividing inches by 12.
- Multiply area × depth to get the volume in cubic feet.
- Divide the cubic feet by 27 for cubic yards, then multiply by density to convert to tons.
| Material | Density (lb/ft³) | Tons per cubic yard |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Sand | 100 | 1.35 |
| Wet Sand | 120 | 1.62 |
| Paver/Leveling Sand | 105 | 1.42 |
| Depth | Coverage |
|---|---|
| 1 in | 324 sq ft |
| 2 in | 162 sq ft |
| 3 in | 108 sq ft |
| 4 in | 81 sq ft |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much sand do I need for a paver patio?
Paver and leveling sand is typically laid 1 inch deep as a bedding layer under pavers. A 10x10 ft patio at 1 inch deep needs about 0.31 cubic yards of sand.
How much does a cubic yard of sand weigh?
A cubic yard of dry sand weighs about 1.35 tons, based on a density of roughly 100 lb/ft³, while wet sand can weigh closer to 1.6 tons per cubic yard. Paver and leveling sand sits in between at about 105 lb/ft³.
What's the difference between play sand and paver sand?
Play sand is washed and screened fine sand designed to be safe and soft for sandboxes and playgrounds, while paver sand (often coarse or polymeric) is chosen for how well it compacts and locks pavers in place. They are not interchangeable for structural uses like paver bases.
How deep should sand be under a sandbox?
Most sandboxes use 12 inches of play sand for comfortable digging depth, though smaller sandboxes for young children can get by with 6-8 inches. Add a few extra bags to account for settling over time.
How many bags of sand equal a cubic yard?
A standard 0.5 cubic foot bag of sand means 54 bags make up one cubic yard (27 cubic feet), while a 0.75 cubic foot bag needs 36 bags. Buying sand in bulk is almost always cheaper than buying that many bags.
Sources & references
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Last updated: July 2026