Sand Calculator
Your estimate
Sand needed1.3 yd³35 ft³ · 0.99 m³
Bags (50 lb / 25 kg)70
- Weight
- 1.75 tons3,496 lb · 1.59 t
- Estimated cost
- $69.92
For paver bedding, sandboxes, leveling and masonry — yards, tons and bags.
Updated 2026-10-20 · Based on: supplier bulk densities (gravel ≈ 1.4 tons per yd³).
How to use the Sand Calculator
- Enter the area and depth.
- Choose dry, wet, masonry or play sand.
- Read yards, tons and bags.
Formula
Sand weighs about 1,600 kg/m³ dry (≈ 1.35 tons per yd³) and up to 1,900 kg/m³ wet.
Tons = volume × weight. A 50 lb bag holds about ½ ft³.
Worked example
With the values preset in the calculator above: (Rectangle)
- Length
- 20 ft
- Width
- 10 ft
- Thickness
- 2 in
- Material
- Dry sand
- Extra for waste
- 5 %
- Sand needed
- 1.3 yd³ (35 ft³)
- Weight
- 1.75 tons (3,496 lb)
- Estimated cost
- $69.92
- Bags (50 lb / 25 kg)
- 70
Frequently asked questions
How much sand for a sandbox?
A 5 × 5 ft box filled 12 in deep holds 0.93 yd³ (25 ft³) — about 49 bags of 50 lb play sand.
How much sand under pavers?
A 1 in bedding layer: one ton covers about 250 ft².
How much does a yard of sand weigh?
About 2,700 lb (1.35 tons) dry, up to 3,200 lb wet.
More calculators
Estimates only — check quantities with your supplier and local building code before you order.