Sand Calculator
Sand is a versatile construction and landscaping material used for paver bases, play areas, drainage layers, concrete and mortar mixes, and leveling. Ordering the correct quantity avoids costly return trips or unused material disposal fees. This calculator takes the dimensions of your area (length, width, and depth) and converts them to cubic yards, cubic feet, approximate weight in tons, and the number of 50-lb bags needed. The weight estimate uses 1.4 tons per cubic yard, which is a standard figure for dry sand. Wet or compacted sand is heavier. Most landscape suppliers sell sand by the ton or cubic yard for bulk orders and by the bag for smaller quantities. A typical 50-lb bag holds approximately 0.5 cubic feet of sand. For paver installations, the sand setting bed should be exactly 1 inch deep and placed over a compacted gravel base. Thicker sand beds cause pavers to shift over time. Play sand and mason sand differ from concrete sand in grain size and application, so confirm the right type with your supplier before ordering.
Sand volume formula
Cubic feet = Length (ft) x Width (ft) x Depth (ft)
Cubic yards = Cubic feet / 27
Tons = Cubic yards x Density (tons/cu yd)
50-lb bags = Ceiling(Cubic feet / 0.5)
Worked example
Area: 10 ft x 10 ft, depth 2 inches. Dry sand at 1.4 tons/cu yd.
- Depth in feet = 2 / 12 = 0.167 ft
- Cubic feet = 10 x 10 x 0.167 = 16.67 cu ft
- Cubic yards = 16.67 / 27 = 0.62 cu yd
- Tons = 0.62 x 1.4 = 0.87 tons
- 50-lb bags = Ceiling(16.67 / 0.5) = 34 bags
Frequently asked questions
How much does a cubic yard of sand weigh?
Dry sand typically weighs about 1.3 to 1.4 tons per cubic yard (2,600 to 2,800 lb). Wet sand is heavier at around 1.6 to 1.7 tons per cubic yard. This calculator uses 1.4 tons per cubic yard as the default for dry sand. Adjust if your supplier gives a different figure.
How many 50-lb bags of sand do I need per cubic yard?
A 50-lb bag of sand typically contains about 0.5 cubic feet. There are 27 cubic feet in a cubic yard, so you need approximately 54 bags per cubic yard. For small projects, bags are convenient. For larger areas, bulk delivery is more economical.
What is sand used for in construction and landscaping?
Sand is used as a leveling base under pavers, for children's play areas, as a sand setting bed in paver installations, for drainage layers, in concrete and mortar mixes, and in volleyball courts. The type of sand (mason sand, play sand, concrete sand, fill sand) varies by application.
How deep should a sand base be for pavers?
The sand setting bed under pavers is typically 1 inch deep (after compaction). The full base system includes a compacted gravel sub-base of 4 to 6 inches topped with 1 inch of bedding sand. Do not use thick sand layers, as they can cause instability.
Is bulk sand or bagged sand more cost-effective?
Bulk sand delivered by the ton or cubic yard is almost always more economical for quantities over 1 to 2 cubic yards. Bagged sand is convenient for very small areas but costs several times more per cubic yard. Compare prices per cubic yard before deciding.
Sources
- Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI): Paver base and bedding specifications.
- ASTM C144: Standard Specification for Aggregate for Masonry Mortar.
Reviewed by the CalculatorHub team, edited by James Graham, 14 June 2026. Sand density is a typical estimate. Confirm with your supplier.