Sand Calculator: How Much Sand Do You Need?

How to work it out

Measure the length and width, and add a separate area for each section.
Choose a depth from the guide below.
Check the weight with your supplier. Damp sand weighs noticeably more than dry sand.
Order a little extra for settling and spills. The calculator starts with 5%.

How deep to go

Job	Typical depth
Bedding under pavers	1 in
Leveling layer under a slab or shed	1 to 2 in
Sandbox	6 to 12 in

These are common starting points. Your site, climate and supplier may call for something different.

What one cubic yard covers

Depth	Area covered
1 in	324 sq ft
2 in	162 sq ft
3 in	108 sq ft
4 in	81 sq ft
6 in	54 sq ft

Why the weight is only an estimate

The calculator starts at 1.35 tons per cubic yard, a figure often used for dry sand. Wet sand can weigh noticeably more. If your supplier gives you a number, type it in.

Which sand to buy

Play sand is washed and screened for sandboxes. Paver and concrete sand is coarser and packs better under pavers. For a paver patio, the paver sand calculator works out the bedding layer for you.

Common questions

How much sand do I need for a sandbox?

Multiply length, width and depth. A 6 by 6 ft sandbox filled 12 inches deep needs 36 cubic feet, which is 1.33 cubic yards or 72 bags of 0.5 cubic feet.

How many bags of sand make a cubic yard?

54 bags of 0.5 cubic feet. A 50 lb bag of sand is often around half a cubic foot, but check the bag.

How much does a cubic yard of sand weigh?

Often around 1.35 tons when dry, and more when wet.

Doing this job for a customer? Turn your numbers into a free written estimate on QuoteToPaid.

Sand calculator