Sand Calculator
Enter the length, width, and depth of the area, then pick a sand type. Cubic yards, tons, bags, and estimated cost update as you type.
| Length (ft) | Width (ft) | Depth (in) | Sand type | $/ton |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Price is per ton, not per bag. Leave it blank to skip the cost estimate.
How to calculate how much sand you need
Sand is sold by weight, but the space you're filling is a volume. Convert length, width, and depth to cubic yards, then multiply by the sand's density to get tons.
Once you have cubic yards, tons follow from the sand's density:
A 50-lb bag holds about 0.5 cubic feet, so bag count comes straight from cubic feet:
Sand types and typical uses
Density varies by sand type because grain size and moisture change how tightly it packs.
| Sand type | Tons per cubic yard | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Dry sand | 1.35 | General fill and backfill |
| Wet sand | 1.62 | Delivery-weight estimates for sand that's already sitting wet |
| Paver/leveling sand | 1.40 | Base layer under pavers and flagstone |
| Play sand | 1.35 | Washed sand for sandboxes and play areas |
| Masonry sand | 1.35 | Mortar mixes for brick and block |
Coverage per ton by depth
Figures below use dry, play, or masonry sand at 1.35 tons per cubic yard. Wet sand covers less area per ton because it weighs more for the same volume.
| Depth | Coverage per ton |
|---|---|
| 1 in | 240 sq ft |
| 2 in | 120 sq ft |
| 3 in | 80 sq ft |
Frequently asked questions
How many bags of sand are in a cubic yard?
A cubic yard is 27 cubic feet. At about 0.5 cubic feet per 50-lb bag, that's 27 ÷ 0.5 = 54 bags. Bag volume varies a little by brand and moisture, so treat 54 as a working estimate, not an exact count.
How much does a ton of sand cover?
It depends on depth and density. For dry, play, or masonry sand at 1.35 tons per cubic yard, one ton covers about 240 square feet at 1 inch deep, 120 square feet at 2 inches, and 80 square feet at 3 inches.
What's the difference between play sand and regular sand?
Play sand is washed and screened for a consistent, fine grain and low dust, which is why it's sold for sandboxes. Regular fill or mason sand isn't washed to the same standard and can carry more silt and coarse debris.
Does wet sand weigh more than dry sand?
Yes. Wet sand runs about 1.62 tons per cubic yard versus 1.35 for dry sand, about 20% heavier for the same volume because water fills the space between grains.
How much sand do I need for a paver patio?
Paver bedding sand should be 1 inch deep, no more. A thicker bed lets pavers sink and shift unevenly as it compacts. Use the paver/leveling sand density (1.40 tons per cubic yard) in the calculator above and enter your patio's length and width with a 1-inch depth.
Building a paver patio? Measure the area first with the square footage calculator, then check total volume with the cubic yard calculator or compare against a gravel base with the gravel calculator. Back to all calculators.