Sand Calculator
Calculate the volume and weight of sand needed for sandboxes, pavers, leveling, and other projects.
Results
Visualization
How It Works
Sand is used as a base material under pavers and flagstone, as fill for sandboxes, and as a leveling agent for lawns and construction projects. Knowing the exact weight and volume prevents costly over-ordering.
The Formula
Volume (cu ft) = Length x Width x Depth / 12
Cubic Yards = Volume / 27
Tons = Cubic Yards x 1.35
Cubic Yards = Volume / 27
Tons = Cubic Yards x 1.35
Variables
- L — Length of the area in feet
- W — Width of the area in feet
- D — Desired depth in inches
- 1.35 — Approximate weight of sand in tons per cubic yard
Example
A 15 ft x 10 ft patio base at 2 inches of sand needs 25 cu ft = 0.93 cubic yards = 1.25 tons. At $45/ton that costs about $56.
Tips
- Use coarse, sharp sand for paver bases and play sand (fine grain) for sandboxes.
- For paver bedding, 1 inch of sand is standard after compacting the gravel base.
- Wet sand is significantly heavier than dry sand, so plan delivery access accordingly.
- Polymeric sand (special jointing sand for pavers) is sold by the bag, not in bulk.
- Sand compacts about 10-15%, so order slightly more than calculated.