Sand Calculator
Estimate the cubic yards and tonnage of sand for paver bedding, sandboxes, pool bases, and masonry projects.
Estimated Required
Base Estimate
With 10% Waste
How to Use This Calculator
Enter the length and width in feet and the depth in inches. Select the sand condition — dry for bedding and base work, wet/damp for bulk material exposed to weather. Add a waste factor for bedding overfill and spreading variation.
Formula & Methodology
This calculator estimates sand quantity by converting your project dimensions into cubic volume, then applying the appropriate bulk density based on moisture condition.
Volume (yd³) = (Length ft × Width ft × Depth in ÷ 12) ÷ 27
Tons (Dry) = Volume × 1.35
Tons (Wet) = Volume × 1.63
With waste = Tons × (1 + Waste %)
Dry sand density ≈ 1.35 t/yd³; wet/damp sand density ≈ 1.63 t/yd³. Density varies by grain size and supplier.
Sources & Assumptions
Formula: Standard volumetric calculation converted to cubic yards, then multiplied by the appropriate density factor based on moisture condition.
Density values: Dry sand ≈ 1.35 t/yd³; Wet/damp sand ≈ 1.63 t/yd³. These are typical bulk density ranges used by aggregate suppliers and construction estimators. Actual density varies by grain size, mineral content, and moisture level.
Waste recommendation: 5–10% for paver bedding (sand is overfilled and swept in, causing some loss); use 10–15% for irregular shapes or precision leveling.
Confirmation: Confirm moisture content and density with your supplier before placing a bulk order, especially for weight-sensitive deliveries.
Last reviewed: May 2026
Recommended Depths & Coverage
Use these common depth ranges for planning. Actual depth may vary based on base conditions, compaction, drainage, and supplier recommendations.
| Project Type | Recommended Depth | Approx. Coverage per 1 yd³ | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paver bedding layer | 1 in | ~324 sq ft | Common bedding layer over compacted base |
| Joint sand top-up | 0.25–0.5 in | ~648–1,296 sq ft | Depends on joint width |
| Sandbox fill | 6–12 in | ~27–54 sq ft | Depends on desired play depth |
| Leveling layer | 1–2 in | ~162–324 sq ft | For light leveling applications |
Coverage values assume 1 cubic yard of material before waste. Add the selected waste factor for ordering quantities.
Project Examples
Common sand applications with estimated quantities. Use coarse concrete sand for paver bedding — not play sand, which is too fine to compact properly.
| Project | Dimensions | Depth | Est. Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paver patio bedding | 10 × 16 ft | 1 in | ~0.5 yd³ |
| Sandbox fill | 6 × 6 ft | 8 in | ~0.9 yd³ |
| Paver joint sand | 200 sq ft | ¼ in | ~0.3 yd³ |
Common Ordering Mistakes
- !Using play sand for paver bedding: Play sand is too fine and migrates out from under pavers over time. Coarse concrete sand or sharp sand provides the stable, compactable base that pavers require for a level, long-lasting surface.
- !Confusing bedding sand and joint sand: Bedding sand (a 1-inch layer beneath pavers) and joint sand (swept into gaps after installation) are different products at very different quantities. Don't use the same calculation for both.
- !Not accounting for bedding sand compaction: Lay bedding sand at 1–1¼ inches before screeding and compacting to achieve a finished 1-inch depth. Under-counting for compaction leads to low spots and unstable pavers.
- !Applying dry density to wet or uncovered material: Wet sand is significantly heavier (about 1.63 t/yd³ vs. 1.35 t/yd³ dry). If your sand has been stored outdoors, actual delivery weight and cost may exceed the estimate.
- !Over-ordering joint sand: Joint sand fills only the narrow gaps between pavers and goes a very long way. A single 50 lb bag covers many square feet of jointing — don't use the same quantity calculation as bedding sand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Calculators & Guides
Need gravel under your paver base? Use the Gravel Calculator. Pouring a concrete slab on top? Try the Concrete Calculator. Adding topsoil nearby? See the Topsoil Calculator.
Bedding sand depth, patio examples, and bags vs. bulk: How Much Sand Do I Need for Pavers?
Disclaimer
Results are estimates only. Sand weight varies with moisture content and grain size. Wet sand can weigh up to 20% more than dry sand. Confirm density with your supplier before ordering.