Sand Calculator
Estimate cubic yards and tons of sand for construction, paver base, playgrounds and more.
This sand calculator converts your project's length, width and depth into the volume and weight of sand you need to buy. It works for construction fill, landscaping, paver base, playground safety surfacing, patios and general leveling jobs. Enter your dimensions, add a waste percentage for compaction and spillage, and optionally add a price per cubic yard to estimate total cost before you order.
Your Estimate
Total Area
200.0 ft²
Cubic Feet Needed
33.3 ft³
Cubic Yards Needed
1.23 yd³
Estimated Weight
1.67 tons
Extra for Waste
0.12 yd³
Total to Order
1.36 yd³
Total Weight to Order
1.83 tons
Based on 27 cubic feet per cubic yard and an average sand density of 1.35 tons per cubic yard. Confirm exact density with your supplier before ordering.
Results Actions
Estimates are approximate. Sand weight can vary by moisture content and material type.
Common Sand Depths and Thicknesses
How to Use the Sand Calculator
- 1Measure the length and width of your project area in feet.
- 2Determine your target sand depth in inches based on the project type (see depth guide below).
- 3Choose a waste percentage — 10% for simple leveling, 15%+ for compaction-heavy or irregular jobs.
- 4Optionally enter a price per cubic yard to see an estimated total cost.
- 5Read your results instantly: total area, cubic feet, cubic yards, tons and total to order.
Example Calculation
Say you're prepping a 20 ft x 10 ft patio base with 2 inches of sand and a 10% waste factor. Total area = 20 × 10 = 200 sq ft. Depth in feet = 2 ÷ 12 = 0.167 ft. Cubic feet = 200 × 0.167 = 33.3 ft³. Cubic yards = 33.3 ÷ 27 = 1.23 yd³. Estimated weight = 1.23 × 1.35 = 1.67 tons. Extra for waste = 1.23 × 0.10 = 0.12 yd³. Total cubic yards to order = 1.23 + 0.12 = 1.35 yd³.
Common Sand Depth Recommendations
Accuracy & Assumptions
- Results are estimates only.
- Sand weight and coverage can vary by manufacturer, supplier and moisture content.
- Consider ordering an additional 5–10% for compaction and spillage.
- Verify all project measurements before purchasing materials.
- Check local building codes and manufacturer recommendations for depth where applicable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much sand do I need for a paver patio?
Paver patios typically need a 1 inch bedding sand layer. For a 200 sq ft patio, that is about 16.7 cubic feet, or roughly 0.62 cubic yards of sand before waste.
How deep should sand be for a playground?
Playground safety sand is usually installed 6-12 inches deep depending on fall height requirements, so measure your equipment specs before ordering.
How much does a cubic yard of sand weigh?
This calculator uses an average of 1.35 tons per cubic yard, though actual weight varies by sand type and moisture content — confirm with your supplier for precise orders.
How much waste should I add for a sand project?
Use 10% waste for simple leveling and paver base jobs, and 15% or more for projects with irregular shapes, slopes or heavy compaction loss.
Can I use this calculator for polymeric jointing sand?
This calculator is built for bulk fill and bedding sand by volume and depth. Polymeric jointing sand is applied much thinner and is usually estimated by bag coverage instead.
This calculator provides an estimate for planning purposes only. Sand density, moisture content and supplier packaging vary — always confirm final quantities with your supplier before purchasing.