Sand Calculator
Find out how much sand you need for paver bedding, a sandbox, or a base layer — in cubic yards, tons, and bags, with the density and formula shown.
You need · incl. +10% extra
- Cubic feet
- 9.17 ft³
- Cubic meters
- 0.26 m³
- Pounds
- 917 lb
- Kilograms
- 416 kg
- Area
- 100 ft²
- Exact volume
- 0.31 yd³
- Density
- 1.35 t/yd³
- Bag size
- 0.5 ft³ bag
Order about 10% extra — sand spills, washes, and settles. For paver bedding keep the layer thin and uniform; over-deep sand bedding causes pavers to sink unevenly.
Paver bedding: 1 in screeded. Under a sandbox or pool: 2–3 in. Backfill or leveling: as deep as the void.
The formula & constants
Volume = Area × Depth. Convert to cubic yards (1 yd³ = 27 ft³), then Tons = Cubic yards × Density (dry sand ≈ 1.35 tons/yd³).
| Sand density (working value) | 1.35 tons/yd³ |
| Typical range | 1.3–1.5 tons/yd³ |
| Cubic-yard conversion | 1 yd³ = 27 ft³ |
| Recommended overage | +10% |
Sand subtypes & their densities
| Subtype | Density |
|---|---|
| Concrete / sharp sand | 1.4 tons/yd³ |
| Masonry / building sand | 1.35 tons/yd³ |
| Play sand | 1.3 tons/yd³ |
| Fill sand | 1.45 tons/yd³ |
Source: Typical dry sand bulk density (~1.3–1.5 tons/yd³), per Inch Calculator. Densities vary with moisture and compaction — the weight figure is an estimate.
How much sand do you need?
Sand fills a lot of jobs, and the type matters. Sharp (concrete) sand has gritty, angular grains that lock together — use it for paver bedding, mixing concrete, and anywhere you need stability. Soft masonry sand is finer and is for mortar and rendering, not bedding. Play sand is washed and screened for safety in sandboxes. Pick the subtype above so the weight estimate matches what you buy.
For pavers, a thin, even bedding layer is everything. Screed sharp sand to a uniform 1 inch over a compacted aggregate base — no more. A thick or uneven sand bed lets pavers settle and rock over time, which is the most common cause of a wavy patio. The calculator defaults to 1 inch for exactly this reason; change it for deeper backfill or sandbox jobs.
Suppliers sell sand bulk by the ton or by the cubic yard, and in bags for small jobs. Bulk is far cheaper per unit once you are past a few bags. Use the tons figure when you call a yard; sand is heavy and wet sand heavier still, so order on the generous side.
Frequently asked questions
How much sand do I need?+
Multiply your area (length × width in feet) by your depth in feet for cubic feet, divide by 27 for cubic yards, then multiply by about 1.35 for US tons. Enter your dimensions and depth above and the calculator updates live.
How much does a yard of sand weigh?+
About 2,600–3,000 lb (roughly 1.3–1.5 US tons) per cubic yard for dry sand. Wet sand weighs more because the water adds mass, so order a little extra if it has been rained on.
How many bags of sand are in a cubic yard?+
A cubic yard is 27 cubic feet, so it equals 54 of the common 0.5 ft³ bags (about 50 lb each). Bagged sand costs several times more per yard than bulk, so use bags only for small jobs.
How much sand do I need for pavers?+
Screed a uniform 1-inch bedding layer of sharp sand over your compacted base. For a patio, measure the area in square feet, set the depth to 1 inch, and read the result — a 100 sq ft patio needs roughly 0.3 cubic yards of bedding sand.
What kind of sand is best for paver bedding?+
Sharp (concrete) sand. Its angular grains lock together and stay put, unlike fine masonry or play sand, which can wash out and let pavers shift. Use polymeric sand for the joints between pavers, not as the bedding layer.
What is the difference between sharp sand and building sand?+
Sharp sand (concrete sand) is coarse and gritty — used for concrete, screeds, and paver bedding. Building (masonry) sand is finer and softer — used for mortar and rendering. They are not interchangeable for bedding work.
How much area does a yard of sand cover?+
A cubic yard of sand covers about 324 sq ft at 1 inch deep, 162 sq ft at 2 inches, or 108 sq ft at 3 inches. Set your depth above for the exact figure.
How much sand for a sandbox?+
Measure the sandbox length and width in feet, set the depth to 2–3 inches of play, and read the cubic yards or bags. A 5 ft × 5 ft sandbox at 3 inches needs about 0.23 cubic yards (around 12 of the 0.5 ft³ bags).
Should I order extra sand?+
Yes — about 10% extra covers spillage, wash-out, and settling. Keep paver bedding thin and even regardless; the overage is for the inevitable losses, not a deeper bed.
Is this sand calculator free?+
Yes — free, no sign-up, and it runs entirely in your browser, so nothing you type is stored or sent anywhere.