Sand Calculator
Plan your sand project with precision. Enter project area dimensions, choose sand type and depth, account for compaction, and estimate cubic yards, tons, 50-lb bag counts, and total project cost.
To find sand needed, multiply length × width × depth in feet and divide by 27 for cubic yards. Dry sand weighs about 1.3–1.5 tons per cubic yard. A 10×10 ft paver patio at 1 inch deep needs roughly 0.31 cubic yards (0.43 tons). One cubic yard equals about 54 × 50-lb bags. Use 1″ bedding sand under pavers, 6″ for sandboxes, and 2″ under pools; add an 8–15% buffer for compaction and settling.
Fine, smooth sand for mortar. Density: 1.35 tons/cu yd. Recommended depth: varies.
⚙️ Advanced Options (Density, Compaction, Delivery, Pricing)
What This Calculator Does
This Sand Calculator helps you estimate exactly how much sand you need for paver bases, sandboxes, pool installations, mortar mixes, concrete mixes, and landscaping projects. It calculates volume in cubic feet and cubic yards, converts to weight in tons, and provides bag counts for 40-lb, 50-lb, 60-lb, and 70-lb bags.
The calculation features automatic density adjustment based on the selected sand type—from mason sand and concrete sand to play sand, paver sand, polymeric sand, fill sand, and utility sand. It also outputs detailed cost breakdowns including material, delivery, labor, and optional add-ons like edging, geotextile, and vapor barrier.
How to Use the Sand Calculator
- Select your preferred measurement system (Imperial feet or Metric meters) and target sand type. Selecting a sand type automatically adjusts density and recommended depth.
- Choose your application (paver base, sandbox, pool, mortar, etc.) — this auto-suggests an appropriate depth and waste margin.
- Select the project shape (rectangular, circular, triangular, trapezoid, or trench) and enter the corresponding dimensions.
- Optionally use a project template to auto-fill dimensions for common projects like a paver patio, sandbox, or pool base.
- Add deductions for pavers, drains, forms, and plumbing penetrations to avoid over-purchasing.
- Configure optional add-ons like edging, geotextile fabric, base layer, vapor barrier, and compaction.
- Optionally enter pricing for sand, delivery, and labor to generate a complete financial estimate.
- Adjust the waste slider to configure your safety margin, then click Calculate Sand Needed.
Sand Type Reference Chart
| Sand Type | Density (tons/yd) | Best Use | Standard Depth | Coverage (sqft/ton @ 1″) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mason Sand | 1.35 | Mortar, paver joints, beach play | varies | ~178 |
| Concrete Sand | 1.4 | Concrete mix, paver bedding | 1″ | ~171 |
| Play Sand | 1.3 | Sandboxes, kid play areas, decorative | 6″ | ~185 |
| Paver / Bedding Sand | 1.4 | Brick & paver leveling base | 1″ | ~171 |
| Polymeric Joint Sand | 1.4 | Hardens after wetting, joints | 1/2″ | ~171 |
| Fill Sand / Bank Sand | 1.45 | Grading, leveling, under-slab | 4″ | ~165 |
| All-Purpose Sand | 1.4 | General use, multi-project | varies | ~171 |
| White / Silica Sand | 1.5 | Pool filters, sandblasting | varies | ~160 |
| Beach / Decorative Sand | 1.3 | Volleyball courts, decorative | 12″ | ~185 |
| Masonry / Brick Sand | 1.4 | Brick laying, stucco | varies | ~171 |
| Utility / Bedding Sand | 1.45 | Pipe bedding, trench fill | 4″ | ~165 |
Common Sand Questions
How much sand do I need for a paver patio?
How many tons of sand per cubic yard?
What sand is best for a sandbox?
What’s the difference between mason sand and concrete sand?
How many 50-lb bags of sand equal a cubic yard?
Should I use bulk sand or bagged sand?
Pro Tips for Sand Projects
- Order 5–10% more sand to account for compaction settling and spread — our waste slider helps you configure this buffer.
- Always compact paver base sand in 1″ layers using a plate compactor — this prevents settling after pavers are laid.
- Use concrete sand (not mason sand) under pavers — coarser sand drains better and provides a more stable base.
- Lay geotextile fabric BEFORE sand on weed-prone areas to prevent root intrusion and keep the sand clean.
- For sandboxes, use ONLY washed play sand — silica-free, screened, and safe for children.
- Mortar mix ratio: 3 parts mason sand + 1 part Portland cement + water (adjust for workability).
- Concrete mix ratio: 2 parts sand + 3 parts gravel + 1 part cement (1:2:3) for general use.
- For pool bases, screed sand level using a 2×4 board on rails for a perfectly flat surface before liner installation.
Complete Guide to Sand Estimation & Costs
Sand is one of the most versatile materials for landscaping, construction, and recreational projects. From paver patios and sandboxes to pool bases and concrete mixes, sand projects come in all shapes and sizes. Estimating the right amount of sand ensures you don’t run short mid-project or over-pay for unused material.
Understanding Sand Types (Mason, Concrete, Play, Paver, Polymeric)
Each sand type has unique properties that affect its performance. Mason sand is fine and smooth, ideal for mortar and paver joints. Concrete sand is coarser and angular, perfect for concrete mixes and paver bedding. Play sand is washed and screened for safety. Paver sand is a bedding sand that compacts well under pavers. Polymeric sand hardens when wet, locking pavers in place.
How Deep Should Sand Be? (By Application)
Depth requirements vary by application. Paver bases need 1 inch of bedding sand over a 4-inch gravel base. Sandboxes need 6 inches of play sand. Pool bases need 2 inches of mason sand. Volleyball courts need 12 inches of clean sand. Always check local building codes and manufacturer recommendations.
Bulk vs Bagged Sand: When to Use Each
Bulk delivery is the most cost-effective option for projects over 1 cubic yard, costing $25–50 per yard delivered. Bagged sand costs $4–8 per 50-lb bag (about $100–150 per yard) but is more convenient for small projects, repairs, and DIYers without trucks.
Hidden Costs in Sand Projects
Beyond the sand itself, budget for delivery fees ($50–150), minimum order surcharges (if under 3–5 yards), compaction equipment rental ($100–200/day), edging materials ($2–8 per linear foot), geotextile fabric ($30–60 per roll), and spreading service ($100–300). Our calculator includes all these optional cost fields.