Sand Calculator
Calculate how much sand you need in cubic feet, cubic yards, tons, and 50 lb bags for any fill, landscaping, or construction project.
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Extended More scenarios, charts & detailed breakdown ▾
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Professional Full parameters & maximum detail ▾
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Weight & Delivery
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How to Use This Calculator
- Enter the length and width of the area in feet.
- Enter the depth of sand needed in inches.
- Results show cubic feet, cubic yards, tons, and 50 lb bags needed.
Formula
Cubic feet = length × width × (depth ÷ 12)
Cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27 | Tons = cubic yards × 1.35 | Bags = tons × 2000 ÷ 50
Example
Example: 10 ft × 10 ft × 3 in deep → 25 cubic feet → 0.93 cubic yards → 1.25 tons → 50 bags of 50 lb sand.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Use the formula: Cubic Yards = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (in) ÷ 12 ÷ 27. Convert depth from inches to feet first (divide by 12), then multiply length × width to get cubic feet, then divide by 27 to get cubic yards. For example, a 10 × 10 ft area at 3 inches deep: 10 × 10 × (3÷12) ÷ 27 = 0.926 cubic yards. This calculator accepts depth in inches and converts automatically. Add 10% extra to account for settling and any low spots in the base.
- A cubic yard of dry sand weighs approximately 1.35 tons (2,700 lbs). Wet or moist sand is heavier — around 1.5–1.6 tons per cubic yard — because water fills the void spaces between grains. Masonry sand (fine) is slightly lighter than coarse construction sand. When ordering from a supplier, confirm whether they sell by the cubic yard or by the ton, since pricing and coverage differ. For example, 5 cubic yards of dry sand = approximately 6.75 tons. This calculator shows both cubic yards and estimated tons in the results.
- A cubic yard of sand weighs approximately 2,700 lbs (dry). At 50 lbs per bag, you need 2,700 ÷ 50 = 54 bags per cubic yard. For 60 lb bags: 2,700 ÷ 60 = 45 bags. For 80 lb bags: 2,700 ÷ 80 = 34 bags. Bags are significantly more expensive per unit weight than bulk delivery but are convenient for small projects or tight access areas. For projects requiring more than half a cubic yard, bulk delivery is almost always more economical. This calculator shows the equivalent bag count based on your selected bag size.
- Choose sand based on your application: Play sand (fine, washed, smooth) is ideal for sandboxes and safe for children. Mason sand (fine, sharp) is used for mortar, stucco, and as a bedding layer under pavers. Concrete sand (coarse, sharp) is mixed with cement and gravel for concrete. Fill sand (coarse) is used for general backfill and grading. River sand (rounded grains) is used in landscaping. Decomposed granite or paver base sand is the best bedding for interlocking pavers and flagstone. Using the wrong sand type can compromise the strength and stability of your project.
- A sand base for interlocking concrete pavers should be 1 inch deep — do not use more or the pavers will become unstable. The real structural support comes from the compacted gravel base below the sand (4–6 inches). For flagstone, a 2-inch sand bed is common. For a children's playground, use 6–12 inches of play sand as impact-absorbing safety surfacing. For a patio base, the layered system is: excavate 8–10 inches, compact native soil, add 4–6 inches of compacted gravel, then 1 inch of bedding sand, then the paving surface.