Sand Calculator — Tons & Cubic Yards for Any Project

How to use this sand calculator

Enter the length, width, and depth of the area you're filling. The calculator returns tons, cubic yards, cubic feet, and 50lb bag count. Sand is sold both ways: bulk (by the ton or yard) and bagged (typically 50lb bags).

For paver projects, you usually need two types: a coarser base sand (bedding layer, 1 inch) and fine polymeric jointing sand (top seams). This calculator handles the base layer; jointing sand is sold separately by square footage.

Sand depth guidelines

• Paver patio bedding layer: 1 inch of coarse sand (ASTM C33 or equivalent) over 4 inches compacted crushed stone
• Paver driveway bedding layer: 1 inch of coarse sand over 6–8 inches compacted base
• Sandbox: 6–12 inches for play depth (replace every 1–2 years)
• Playground safety surface: 9–12 inches minimum per ASTM F1292
• Masonry / mortar projects: measure as needed per mix ratio
• Horse arena: 3–4 inches of riding sand over stable base
• Beach volleyball court: 12 inches for recreational, 18+ for regulation

For paver projects specifically, more sand is NOT better. Too much bedding sand (over 1.5 inches) causes pavers to sink and shift. The industry standard is exactly 1 inch — don't exceed it.

Sand types: pick the right one

Masonry sand (also called "brick sand" or "mortar sand"): fine, uniform particles. Used in mortar mixes, stucco, and some paver applications. Runs $30–$45 per ton.

Concrete / sharp sand (ASTM C33): larger angular grains. Standard for paver beds, concrete mixing, and drainage applications. $30–$50 per ton.

Play sand: washed, rounded grains, screened for safety. More expensive at $5–$10 per 50lb bag. Do not use construction sand in sandboxes — it often contains silica dust and debris.

Polymeric (jointing) sand: fine sand mixed with polymer binders that harden with water. Used in paver joints. $25–$40 per 50lb bag. Covers 75–150 sq ft depending on paver spacing.

Fill sand: least-processed, cheapest. Used for bulk fill under slabs, raising grade, or backfilling trenches. $10–$20 per ton.

Pool sand: specifically graded for filter systems. Not interchangeable with other types. $8–$15 per 50lb bag.

Weight and density reference

A cubic yard of sand weighs roughly 2,500–3,000 pounds (1.25–1.5 tons). Moisture content affects weight significantly — wet sand can be 20% heavier than dry.

Our calculator uses 1.35 tons per cubic yard as the industry standard. For ordering purposes this is reliable; for precise engineering calculations, specify by volume (cubic yards) rather than weight.

A standard pickup truck bed (6 ft) safely holds about 1 cubic yard of dry sand. Wet sand approaches the payload limit of a half-ton truck.

Cost for common projects

Paver patio, 200 sq ft at 1 inch bedding sand:

• Volume needed: 0.62 cubic yards (~1.7 cubic feet)
• Bulk cost: not worth delivery for this amount
• Bagged cost: ~3 × 50lb bags = ~$15

Sandbox, 6×6 ft at 8 inches deep:

• Volume needed: 1.1 cubic yards
• Bagged play sand: ~20 bags at $5–$10 each = $100–$200
• Bulk delivery: $100–$150 total if supplier carries play-grade

Paver driveway, 500 sq ft at 1 inch bedding:

• Volume needed: 1.5 cubic yards
• Bulk delivery: ~$80–$150 with delivery fee

Playground, 15×15 ft at 10 inches play sand:

• Volume needed: 6.9 cubic yards
• Bulk delivery recommended: $200–$400 total

Pro tips for working with sand

• Use coarse/sharp sand for paver beds, not masonry sand. Fine sand allows pavers to settle over time.
• Compact before spreading sand. The stone base under sand must be compacted first; sand goes on top.
• Screed don't pile. Use a straight 2x4 and pipes to screed sand flat to exact depth before laying pavers. Piling and raking causes inconsistent depth.
• Play sand refresh: replace every 1–2 years or sooner if it gets muddy or discolored. Never use road sand or construction sand in sandboxes.
• For polymeric jointing sand: sweep dry into joints first, then tamp and mist water per package directions. Water activates the polymer.
• Wet sand is dramatically heavier. Plan ahead — don't order Friday delivery for Monday installation if it'll rain over the weekend.