Using the Sand Calculator
Our sand calculator is designed to simplify the estimation process for landscaping, construction, and DIY projects. Whether you are building a sandbox, laying a base for a patio, or filling a playground, knowing exactly how much sand to order is critical for budgeting and logistics.
By entering the dimensions of your project area, this tool provides results in cubic yards, tons, and individual bags, ensuring you have the right metrics regardless of how your supplier sells the material.
- Project Shape
- Choose between a rectangular area (length and width) or a circular area (diameter). This determines which geometric formula the tool uses.
- Length/Width/Diameter
- The horizontal dimensions of your area measured in feet.
- Depth
- How deep you want the sand to be, measured in inches. For most pavers, a 1-inch base is standard; for sandboxes, 4-12 inches is common.
- Sand Density
- Different types of sand vary in weight. Dry sand typically weighs about 100 lbs per cubic foot, while wet sand can exceed 120 lbs per cubic foot.
How It Works: The Formulas
The sand calculator performs several mathematical conversions. Sand is usually sold by the cubic yard or by the ton. Here are the underlying formulas:
Volume (Rectangular): Volume = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × (Depth (in) / 12)
Volume (Circular): Volume = π × Radius² (ft) × (Depth (in) / 12)
Cubic Yards: Cubic Feet / 27
Weight (Tons): (Cubic Feet × Density) / 2000
Most professionals recommend adding a 10% "buffer" to your final calculation. This accounts for compaction (sand settling over time) and physical loss during transportation and spreading.
Sand Calculation Example
Scenario: You are building a backyard sandbox that is 8 feet long, 8 feet wide, and you want the sand to be 6 inches deep.
Step-by-step solution:
- Calculate Area: 8 ft × 8 ft = 64 sq ft
- Convert Depth to Feet: 6 inches / 12 = 0.5 ft
- Calculate Volume in Cubic Feet: 64 sq ft × 0.5 ft = 32 cubic feet
- Convert to Cubic Yards: 32 / 27 = 1.19 cubic yards
- Calculate Weight: Assuming standard 100lb density, 32 cu ft × 100 lbs = 3,200 lbs
- Convert to Tons: 3,200 / 2,000 = 1.6 tons
Common Questions
How much does 1 cubic yard of sand weigh?
On average, 1 cubic yard of dry sand weighs approximately 2,700 pounds or 1.35 tons. If the sand is wet, the weight can increase significantly to over 3,000 pounds per cubic yard.
How many bags of sand make a cubic yard?
Standard sand bags sold at home improvement stores are usually 0.5 cubic feet or 50 lbs. Since there are 27 cubic feet in a yard, you would need approximately 54 bags (at 0.5 cu ft each) to equal one cubic yard.
What is the best sand for a sandbox?
For children's sandboxes, "Play Sand" is the best choice. It is washed, dried, and screened to remove dust and harmful minerals. For paver bases, "Concrete Sand" or "Coarse Sand" is preferred because it provides better drainage and stability.
Does sand compact?
Yes, sand will compact naturally over time due to gravity, moisture, and foot traffic. When using the sand calculator for structural bases, it is wise to order 10-15% more than your calculated volume to ensure you reach your desired finished depth.