Sand Calculator – Volume, Weight, Coverage & Cost

Estimate how much sand you need for landscaping, pavers, concrete, playgrounds, and more. Get volume, weight, truck loads, and cost in one place.

Sand quantity calculator

Typical: 1–2 in for pavers, 6–12 in for sandboxes/play areas.

Adjust if your supplier gives a specific density.

Optional: cost & delivery / bags

Use for truck loads or bag count (e.g., 50 lb bags).

Results

Volume & coverage

  • Volume: –
  • ≈ –
  • Area covered: –
  • Depth: –

Weight, loads & cost

  • Estimated weight: –
  • ≈ –
  • Truck loads / bags: –
  • Estimated material cost: –

Note: Results are estimates. Moisture content, compaction, and local material properties can change actual quantities.

How the sand calculator works

This sand calculator is designed for real-world projects: paver bases, concrete work, playgrounds, sandboxes, horse arenas, volleyball courts, and general landscaping. It converts your area and depth into volume, then uses density to estimate weight, truck loads, and cost.

1. Area and volume formulas

The first step is to compute the area of the surface to be covered, then multiply by the desired depth.

Rectangle / square:

\[ A = L \times W \]

Circle:

\[ A = \pi r^2 \]

Border / edge (rectangular ring):

\[ A = L_\text{outer} \times W_\text{outer} - L_\text{inner} \times W_\text{inner} \]

Volume:

\[ V = A \times d \]

where \(d\) is the sand depth.

Internally, the calculator converts all dimensions to meters, computes volume in cubic meters, and then converts to cubic yards and cubic feet for convenience.

2. Sand density and weight

Different sands have different bulk densities depending on grain size, mineral composition, and moisture content. Typical ranges:

  • Dry loose sand: ~1,400–1,600 kg/m³ (87–100 lb/ft³)
  • Wet compacted sand: ~1,700–1,900 kg/m³ (106–119 lb/ft³)
  • Play sand / masonry sand: usually in the 1,500–1,700 kg/m³ range

The calculator uses preset densities for common sand types, or you can enter a custom value from your supplier.

Weight from volume and density:

\[ W = \rho \times V \]

where:

  • \(W\) = weight of sand
  • \(\rho\) = bulk density of sand
  • \(V\) = volume of sand

3. Truck loads and bag count

If you provide a truck or bag capacity, the calculator estimates how many loads or bags you need:

\[ \text{Loads} = \frac{\text{Required quantity}}{\text{Capacity per load}} \]

For example, if you need 4.2 tons of sand and your truck can carry 2 tons, you’ll need:

\[ \text{Loads} = \frac{4.2}{2} = 2.1 \approx 3 \text{ truck loads (round up)} \]

4. Cost estimation

Material cost is estimated by multiplying the required quantity (in tons, cubic yards, or cubic meters) by your unit price:

\[ \text{Cost} = \text{Quantity} \times \text{Price per unit} \]

Delivery, labor, and taxes are not included, so treat the result as a baseline material cost.

Worked examples

Example 1 – Sand under patio pavers

Goal: 12 ft × 10 ft patio, 2 in of bedding sand.

  1. Area: \(A = 12 \times 10 = 120\ \text{ft}^2\)
  2. Depth: \(d = 2\ \text{in} = \frac{2}{12} = 0.167\ \text{ft}\)
  3. Volume in ft³: \(V = 120 \times 0.167 \approx 20\ \text{ft}^3\)
  4. Volume in yd³: \(V_\text{yd³} = 20 / 27 \approx 0.74\ \text{yd}^3\)
  5. Assume density 1.5 t/yd³ → weight ≈ \(0.74 \times 1.5 \approx 1.1\ \text{tons}\)

In the calculator, enter 12 ft × 10 ft, depth 2 in, choose “Concrete sand” and you’ll see similar numbers instantly.

Example 2 – Backyard sandbox

Goal: 2.5 m × 2.5 m sandbox, 0.25 m deep, using play sand.

  1. Area: \(A = 2.5 \times 2.5 = 6.25\ \text{m}^2\)
  2. Depth: \(d = 0.25\ \text{m}\)
  3. Volume: \(V = 6.25 \times 0.25 = 1.56\ \text{m}^3\)
  4. Assume density 1,600 kg/m³ → weight ≈ \(1.56 \times 1600 \approx 2,500\ \text{kg}\) (~2.5 t)

Practical tips when ordering sand

  • Order a little extra: It’s common to add 5–10% to account for compaction, spillage, and uneven ground.
  • Check moisture: Wet sand is heavier and may be sold by volume instead of weight. Ask your supplier how they price it.
  • Match sand type to use: Masonry sand for mortar, concrete sand for slabs, washed play sand for playgrounds and sandboxes.
  • Confirm truck access: Make sure a dump truck can reach the drop-off point safely.

FAQ

How do I calculate how much sand I need?

Measure the length and width of the area, choose a depth, compute volume as length × width × depth, then convert to cubic yards or cubic meters. Multiply by sand density to get weight. This calculator automates all of these steps.

How much does a cubic yard of sand weigh?

Most sands weigh between about 2,600 and 3,200 lb per cubic yard (1.3–1.6 short tons/yd³). Wet compacted sand can be heavier. For accurate planning, use the density provided by your local supplier.

What depth of sand should I use?

  • Paver bedding: 1–2 in (2.5–5 cm)
  • Playground / sandbox: 6–12 in (15–30 cm)
  • Horse arena: often 2–4 in (5–10 cm) over a prepared base

Can I change units?

Yes. You can enter dimensions in feet, inches, meters, or centimeters and the calculator will convert everything internally. Results are shown in both imperial and metric units.