Sand Calculator
Find how many cubic yards or tons of sand you need for a paver base, sandbox, or fill project. Enter your measurements for an instant result.
Tip: dry sand weighs roughly 1.35 tons per cubic yard (about 100 lb/ft³), and wet sand is heavier. For a paver base, a 1 inch leveling layer of sand is typical over a compacted gravel base. Confirm density with your supplier.
How to calculate sand
Sand is sold by the cubic yard or by the ton. You measure the area and depth, convert to cubic yards, then apply the material density for tons. The formula is:
Cubic yards = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (ft) ÷ 27
Depth is usually given in inches, so divide by 12 to get feet. The calculator above gives both cubic yards and tons and adds a waste allowance.
Worked example
A patio base 20 ft long and 10 ft wide, with a 2 inch sand layer, at 100 lb/ft³:
| Area | 20 × 10 = 200 ft² |
|---|---|
| Depth | 2 in ÷ 12 = 0.167 ft |
| Volume | 200 × 0.167 = 33.3 ft³ |
| Cubic yards | 33.3 ÷ 27 = 1.23 yd³ |
| Tons | 33.3 × 100 ÷ 2000 = 1.67 tons |
Coverage by depth (per cubic yard)
| Depth | Area covered by 1 yd³ |
|---|---|
| 1 in | about 324 ft² |
| 2 in | about 162 ft² |
| 3 in | about 108 ft² |
Frequently asked questions
How many tons of sand are in a cubic yard?
A cubic yard of dry sand weighs roughly 1.35 tons. Wet or compacted sand is heavier, closer to 1.5 tons per cubic yard.
How much sand do I need for a paver base?
A leveling layer of sand for pavers is usually about 1 inch thick over a compacted gravel base. Enter 1 inch as the depth in the calculator for that layer.
How much sand do I need for a 20x10 area?
A 20 by 10 foot area at 2 inches deep needs about 1.23 cubic yards, or roughly 1.7 tons of sand. Use the calculator above for other depths.
What type of sand should I use?
It depends on the job. Paver or leveling projects use coarse concrete sand, while a sandbox uses clean, washed play sand. Ask your supplier for the right grade.