Sand Calculator
Quickly figure out how much sand you need for any project, from leveling a patio base to filling a sandbox. Enter your dimensions and depth to get volume in cubic yards, weight in tons, and an estimated material cost.
Types of Sand for Landscaping Projects
Several sand types serve different landscaping purposes. Fill sand, also called utility sand, works well for backfilling trenches and raising grade. Concrete sand has a coarser texture and is ideal as a bedding layer under pavers and flagstone. Play sand is washed and screened for sandbox use. Mason sand, the finest grade, is used for mortar, between patio joints, and for volleyball courts. When ordering, always tell your supplier the intended use so they can recommend the right product.
How to Calculate Sand Quantity
Measure the length and width of your area in feet, then decide on the depth in inches. Multiply length times width to get square footage, then multiply by depth in feet (inches divided by 12) to get cubic feet. Divide cubic feet by 27 to convert to cubic yards. For weight, multiply cubic yards by 1.35 to get approximate tons. Always order 5 to 10 percent extra to account for compaction, uneven ground, and minor waste during spreading.
Sand Delivery and Cost Tips
Bulk sand delivery typically costs $25 to $65 per cubic yard for the material, plus a flat delivery fee of $50 to $150 depending on distance. Most suppliers require a minimum order of 1 to 2 yards. For small projects, bagged sand from a hardware store runs about $4 to $6 per 50-pound bag. If you need less than half a cubic yard, bags are more practical. For larger jobs, bulk delivery saves 40 to 60 percent compared to bagged prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a cubic yard of sand weigh?
A cubic yard of dry sand weighs approximately 2,700 pounds (1.35 tons). Wet sand can weigh up to 3,100 pounds per cubic yard due to water content.
How deep should sand be under pavers?
A 1-inch layer of bedding sand is standard under pavers. The compacted gravel base beneath should be 4 to 6 inches deep.
How many bags of sand do I need for a sandbox?
A typical 5×5 foot sandbox filled 6 inches deep needs about 0.46 cubic yards, which equals roughly 25 fifty-pound bags of play sand.
What is the cheapest way to buy sand?
Buying sand in bulk by the cubic yard from a local landscape supplier is the cheapest option, typically $25 to $65 per yard. Bagged sand from home improvement stores costs significantly more per volume.