Sand Calculator
From paver bedding and sandbox fill to grading and backfill, different jobs call for different sand types. This calculator estimates how much sand you need in cubic yards, tons, and bags for any project.
Worked Example
A homeowner is laying a 1-inch leveling sand bedding layer for a 15 × 20 ft paver patio.
- 1 Paver base area: 15 × 20 = 300 sq ft
- 2 Volume: 300 × (1/12) = 25 cu ft = 0.9 cu yd
- 3 Add 10% waste: 0.9 × 1.10 = 1.0 cu yd
- 4 Weight: 1.0 × 1.35 = 1.4 tons
- 5 50-lb bags: (1.4 × 2000) / 50 = 56 bags
How Sand Is Calculated
The calculation follows a simple pipeline: measure the area, multiply by depth to get volume, then convert to the units your supplier sells.
Area × Depth = Volume (cu ft) → divide by 27 for cubic yards → multiply by material density for tons → divide by bag size for bag count. All quantities include your waste factor so you always have enough.
Sand density varies by type. Leveling sand and fill sand are denser (~1.35 tons/cu yd) while play sand is slightly lighter (~1.22 tons/cu yd). The calculator adjusts weight and bag counts automatically based on your selected sand type.
Sand Type Selection Guide
| Sand Type | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Leveling / Concrete Sand | Paver bedding | Coarse grain, compacts firmly, good drainage |
| Play Sand | Sandboxes and play areas | Washed, rounded grains, soft texture |
| Fill Sand | Grading and backfill | Unscreened, affordable, fills voids |
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of sand goes under pavers? +
How deep should sandbox sand be? +
How much does a cubic yard of sand weigh? +
Can I use play sand for paver base? +
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