Sand Calculator — cubic yards and tons

How it works

Sand for a paver base, sandbox or bedding layer is worked out by volume, then converted to weight if you are buying by the ton:

cubic yards = (length × width × depth) ÷ 27

with dimensions in feet (depth is entered in inches and converted, ÷12). One cubic yard is 27 cubic feet.

For weight, multiply the cubic yards by the density:

tons = cubic yards × density

Dry sand runs about 1.35 tons per cubic yard — heavier than topsoil, lighter than gravel — and wet sand weighs more, so density is an input. Order a little extra to allow for compaction and leveling.

Worked example

A 20 × 10 ft paver base at 2 inches deep is 20 × 10 × 0.167 = 33.3 cubic feet = 1.23 cubic yards, about 1.7 tons at 1.35 t/yd³. An 8 × 6 ft sandbox filled 6 inches deep needs about 0.89 cubic yards, and a 30 × 3 ft pipe-bedding trench 3 inches deep about 0.83 cubic yards.

Frequently asked questions

How much sand do I need?

Multiply length × width × depth in feet and divide by 27 for cubic yards. If the depth is in inches, divide it by 12 first. For weight, multiply the cubic yards by about 1.35 tons per cubic yard for dry sand.

How many tons is a cubic yard of sand?

About 1.35 tons per cubic yard for dry sand; wet or compacted sand is heavier, up to about 1.5. It sits between topsoil (~1.1) and gravel (~1.4). Enter your supplier's density for an accurate tonnage.

How deep should a paver sand base be?

A bedding layer of about 1 inch of sand goes over a compacted gravel base for pavers. The gravel sub-base is deeper (4–6 inches) and calculated separately. For play sand in a sandbox, 4–6 inches gives room to dig.

How much extra sand should I order?

Add about 5–10%. Sand compacts as it is screeded and tamped, and some is lost spreading. It is cheaper to have a little extra than to reorder a small top-up mid-project.

Is sand sold by the yard, ton or bag?

All three. Bulk sand is sold by the cubic yard or the ton (converted with density); bagged play or all-purpose sand comes in weight bags for small jobs. This calculator gives cubic yards and tons so you can order either way.

What is the difference from the gravel and topsoil calculators?

The volume calculation is the same — area times depth. The materials differ in **density**: topsoil is lightest (~1.1 t/yd³), sand is in the middle (~1.35), and gravel is heaviest (~1.4). Each calculator defaults to its material's density, which you can change.