Sand Calculator

How it's calculated

The calculator first finds the volume of the area in cubic feet: length (ft) × width (ft) × depth (in ÷ 12). That's converted to cubic yards by dividing by 27, since a cubic yard is 3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft. A waste percentage is added on top to cover spillage and screeding loss, and the adjusted cubic yardage is multiplied by sand's density (tons per cubic yard) to get the weight in tons. Bag counts divide the adjusted cubic feet by each bag's yield; truckloads divide the adjusted cubic yards by the truck's capacity.

Worked example

A 10 ft × 10 ft paver base at 1 inch deep: volume = 10 × 10 × (1 ÷ 12) = 8.33 cubic feet. In cubic yards, that's 8.33 ÷ 27 = 0.31 yd³. Adding a 10% waste factor: 0.31 × 1.10 = 0.34 yd³. At 1.35 tons per cubic yard, that's 0.34 × 1.35 = 0.46 tons — or 0.44–0.49 tons across the full 1.30–1.45 density range, and higher still if the sand is wet. In 0.5 cu ft bags, the adjusted 9.17 cu ft (8.33 × 1.10) needs 19 bags.

How deep should it be?

Depth for sand is almost always shallow, and the right number depends on what the sand is bedding or filling rather than how much ground it covers. A 1" layer is standard bedding sand under pavers or flagstone — just enough to screed level and let the units settle in without shifting. Go much deeper than that under pavers and the base becomes unstable instead of more supportive. A 2" layer is typical for a sandbox or a play area, deep enough for digging without needing a full excavation underneath. Deeper fills (6" or more) come up for volleyball courts or drainage layers, but those are specialty jobs worth confirming with a contractor rather than reading off a preset. Whatever the depth, sand should be screeded flat and compacted lightly where it's bedding a hard surface — an uneven screed is the most common reason pavers rock or settle unevenly later.

Common mistakes

• –Using play sand where paver base (bedding) sand is needed, or vice versa — the two are graded differently and aren't interchangeable under a hard surface.
• –Screeding unevenly. A bedding layer that's thicker in some spots than others is the single biggest cause of pavers rocking or settling unevenly after installation.
• –Not accounting for compaction. Sand settles once it's walked on or vibrated into place, so a loose 1" screed can end up thinner than intended.
• –Skipping edge restraints. Sand bedding migrates outward under pressure without a hard edge to contain it, especially on paver patios and walkways.
• –Ordering bagged sand once a job runs past roughly a ton — bagged material typically costs 2-3x more per ton than a bulk delivery.

Where the density figure comes from

North Bay Materials lists the gravel/sand category at 1.30–1.40 tons/yd³; Select Sand & Gravel lists sand at 1.30–1.45 tons/yd³. We use the fuller 1.30–1.45 range to cover both, with 1.35 tons/yd³ as the display figure. Treat this as a floor rather than a ceiling — wet sand in particular can run well above either published range, since sand holds moisture more than gravel or crushed stone. We use 1.35 tons/yd³ as the display figure, drawn from:

• North Bay Materials — Landscape Material Density Calculator
• Select Sand & Gravel — How Much Does a Yard of Crushed Stone Weigh?

Read more in our density methodology.

FAQ

How much sand do I need for a paver patio?

For a standard 1" bedding layer, multiply the patio's length and width in feet, divide by 12 (to get the volume in cubic feet at 1"), then divide by 27 for cubic yards. A 12 ft × 12 ft patio at 1" needs about 0.44 cubic yards before waste — use the calculator above to add your waste factor and get a tonnage.

What's the difference between play sand and paver base sand?

Play sand is washed and screened for softness and low dust, since it's meant for hands and skin contact. Paver base (bedding) sand is coarser and angular so it compacts and locks pavers in place. Using play sand under pavers leaves a soft, shifting base that won't hold a hard surface stable.

Why does sand weight per cubic yard vary so much?

Density depends on grain size, moisture, and how tightly the sand is packed. Dry, loose sand has more air between grains and weighs less; wet or compacted sand fills those gaps and weighs more. That's why we show a range instead of one number — always confirm the exact figure with your supplier for a large order.

Should I measure loose or compacted depth?

Compacted, and for bedding sand specifically, screeded flat. Sand settles once walked on or lightly tamped, so a loose 1" screed can end up thinner once pavers are set and the joints are swept in. Order based on the final depth you want and let the waste factor cover the settling.

Is it cheaper to buy sand in bags or bulk?

Bulk almost always wins past about a ton (roughly 27 bags at 0.5 cu ft each). Bagged sand carries packaging and handling costs that can put it at 2-3x the price per ton of a bulk delivery. Bags make sense for small paver repairs, sandbox top-offs, or projects without truck access.

How deep should sand be for a sandbox versus a paver base?

A paver or flagstone base only needs about 1 inch — enough to screed level without destabilizing the surface above it. A sandbox needs about 2 inches for digging and play, though many parents go deeper for a more generous play depth.

How many truckloads of sand will I need?

Divide your adjusted cubic yardage by the truck's capacity — most standard dump trucks carry about 10-14 cubic yards. The calculator above uses 12 cubic yards as a default and rounds up, since a partial truckload still requires a full trip.