Sand Calculator - Calculate Cubic Yards and Tons Needed

Calculate how much sand you need for your sandbox, patio base, or construction project with our free sand calculator. Get instant results in cubic yards, cubic feet, and cubic meters.

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Tip: For sandboxes, 12-18 inches deep is ideal for play. For paver bases, 1-2 inches is typical.

How Much Sand Do I Need?

The amount of sand you need depends on: 1. Project type - Sandbox, paver base, concrete mix, or landscaping 2. Area dimensions - Length and width of the space 3. Depth required - Varies significantly by application

How to Use the Sand Calculator

This calculator provides two easy methods to calculate your sand needs:

Option 1: By Dimensions

Enter the length, width, and desired depth of your sand area. Perfect for rectangular sandboxes, patios, or walkways.

Option 2: By Area

If you already know the square footage of your area, simply enter that value along with your desired sand depth.

Recommended Sand Depth by Application

Different projects require different sand depths:

  • Sandboxes (play sand): 12-18 inches deep
  • Paver base layer: 1-2 inches
  • Concrete slab base: 2-4 inches
  • Volleyball/sports court: 12-18 inches
  • Leveling base: 1-2 inches
  • Beach volleyball: 18-24 inches
  • Aquarium/filter sand: Varies by system

Understanding Sand Measurements

Cubic Yards

Sand is typically ordered by the cubic yard. One cubic yard covers: - 324 square feet at 1 inch depth - 162 square feet at 2 inches depth - 108 square feet at 3 inches depth - 54 square feet at 6 inches depth

Tons

Sand is often sold by weight (tons). As a general rule: - 1 cubic yard of sand ≈ 1.3-1.5 tons (varies by moisture and density) - Dry sand: ~1.3 tons per cubic yard - Wet sand: ~1.5 tons per cubic yard - Fine sand (dry): ~1.28 tons per cubic yard - Coarse sand (dry): ~1.44 tons per cubic yard

Bags

For small projects, sand is sold in bags: - 50 lb bags: Approximately 0.5 cubic feet - Play sand bags: Usually 50 lbs - Masonry sand bags: Typically 60-80 lbs

Types of Sand

Common sand types for different applications:

1. Play Sand

  • Fine, soft texture, free of sharp particles
  • Best for: Sandboxes, playgrounds
  • Pros: Safe for children, clean, non-toxic
  • Cost: Higher than construction sand

2. Masonry Sand (Brick Sand)

  • Fine, clean sand used for masonry work
  • Best for: Paver bases, concrete mixing, volleyball courts
  • Pros: Compacts well, smooth texture
  • Cost: Moderate

3. Concrete Sand (Sharp Sand)

  • Coarser texture with angular particles
  • Best for: Concrete mixing, drainage
  • Pros: Strong, durable, good for structural use
  • Cost: Moderate

4. All-Purpose Sand

  • Medium texture, versatile
  • Best for: General fill, leveling
  • Pros: Economical, widely available
  • Cost: Lower

5. Beach/Silica Sand

  • Very fine, rounded grains
  • Best for: Aquariums, sand art, decorative use
  • Pros: Clean, pure, attractive
  • Cost: Higher

6. Polymeric Sand

  • Contains polymers that harden when wet
  • Best for: Paver joints (not base layer)
  • Pros: Prevents weed growth, stabilizes pavers
  • Cost: Expensive (specialty product)

Sand for Specific Projects

Sandboxes

Recommended depth: 12-18 inches Sand type: Play sand only Coverage: A 4' x 4' sandbox needs about 0.3 cubic yards (12" deep) Tips: - Use only certified play sand (non-toxic, dust-free) - Cover when not in use to keep animals out - Replace every 2-3 years as it becomes contaminated

Paver Base

Recommended depth: 1-2 inches sand, 4-6 inches total base Sand type: Masonry sand Base layers (bottom to top): 1. Compacted gravel (4-6 inches) 2. Masonry sand (1-2 inches) 3. Pavers 4. Polymeric sand (for joints)

Concrete Mixing

Typical ratio: 3 parts sand to 1 part cement Sand type: Concrete sand (sharp sand) Example: 1 cubic yard of concrete needs ~0.45 cubic yards of sand

Volleyball Court

Recommended depth: 18 inches minimum Sand type: Masonry sand or specialized volleyball sand Coverage: Regulation court (30' x 60') needs ~33 cubic yards

Buying Sand: What You Need to Know

Bulk vs. Bagged

  • Bulk sand (by the ton or cubic yard): Most economical for projects over 0.5 cubic yards
  • Bagged sand: Better for small projects, easier to transport

Cost Factors

  • Sand type: Play sand costs more than general fill sand
  • Delivery: Typically $50-150 depending on distance
  • Quantity: Bulk orders have better per-unit pricing
  • Quality: Washed/screened sand costs more

Ordering Tips

  1. Order 10% extra to account for settling and waste
  2. Confirm delivery truck can access your property
  3. For sandboxes, verify it's certified play sand
  4. Check if the sand is washed/screened
  5. Ask about minimum order requirements

Sand Installation Guide

For Sandboxes:

  1. Build or prepare sandbox frame
  2. Level the bottom surface
  3. Lay landscape fabric (optional, helps with drainage)
  4. Fill with play sand to 12-18 inches
  5. Rake level
  6. Add cover to protect from animals

For Paver Base:

  1. Excavate area 7-9 inches deep
  2. Compact base with tamper or plate compactor
  3. Add 4-6 inches of gravel base
  4. Compact gravel thoroughly
  5. Add 1-2 inches of masonry sand
  6. Screed sand level (use pipes as guides)
  7. Lay pavers
  8. Sweep polymeric sand into joints

For General Fill:

  1. Clear area of debris
  2. Spread sand evenly
  3. Water lightly while spreading (helps compaction)
  4. Compact with tamper or roller
  5. Add more sand if low spots appear
  6. Final compaction

Common Sand Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Using wrong sand type: Play sand for pavers won't compact; masonry sand in sandboxes too rough
  2. Insufficient compaction: Sand shifts and settles without proper compaction
  3. No landscape fabric: Weeds grow through, sand mixes with soil
  4. Over-ordering for pavers: Sand layer should only be 1-2 inches
  5. Under-ordering for sandboxes: Need full 12-18 inches for proper play depth
  6. Skipping weed barrier: Especially important under pavers
  7. Not accounting for settling: Order 10% extra

Sand Weight and Coverage Quick Reference

1 Cubic Yard of Sand: - Covers 162 sq ft at 2 inches deep - Covers 108 sq ft at 3 inches deep - Covers 27 sq ft at 12 inches deep - Weighs approximately 2,600-3,000 lbs (1.3-1.5 tons)

Common Bag Sizes: - 50 lb bag = ~0.5 cubic feet - 60 lb bag = ~0.6 cubic feet - 80 lb bag = ~0.8 cubic feet

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a yard of sand cost?

Prices vary by region and type, but expect $15-50 per cubic yard. Play sand and specialty sands cost more. Delivery adds $50-150.

What's the difference between play sand and regular sand?

Play sand is washed, sifted, and tested to be non-toxic and dust-free. Regular sand may contain sharp particles, dust, or contaminants.

How deep should sand be for pavers?

1-2 inches is ideal. Too much sand allows pavers to shift; too little prevents proper leveling.

Can I use beach sand for construction?

No. Beach sand contains salt and is too rounded to bond well in concrete. Use proper construction sand.

How much does sand compact?

Sand typically compacts 10-20% depending on type and moisture. Always compact in 2-3 inch layers for best results.

How often should I replace sandbox sand?

Replace play sand every 2-3 years, or sooner if it becomes contaminated or develops odors.

Do I need to wet sand before compacting?

Yes, slightly damp sand compacts better than bone-dry sand. Mist with water while compacting.

Can I mix different types of sand?

Generally not recommended. Different sands have different properties and mixing them can lead to uneven settling and poor performance.

Related Calculators

Looking for other landscaping calculations? Check out our: - Gravel Calculator - Topsoil Calculator - Mulch Calculator - Rock Calculator

Pro Tip: For paver projects, rent a plate compactor ($50-75/day). It's worth it for proper compaction and a stable, long-lasting installation!