Sand Calculator
Calculate how many cubic yards and tons of sand you need for a patio base, sandbox, or construction project.
How to use this tool
- Enter the area length and width in feet.
- Enter the required sand depth in inches.
- The calculator returns cubic yards and approximate weight in tons.
Calculate how much sand to order for any construction or landscaping project.
Formula
Cubic feet = length (ft) × width (ft) × depth (in) ÷ 12
Cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27
Tons = cubic yards × 1.35
How it works
This calculator finds the volume of sand needed for a rectangular area by converting depth from inches to feet, computing cubic feet, then dividing by 27 to get cubic yards. Weight in tons is estimated by multiplying cubic yards by 1.35, a typical bulk density factor for dry sand (roughly 2,700 lb/yd³). Results assume a flat, level surface; uneven ground or compaction losses may require ordering 5–10% extra.
Worked example
Worked example
- Area is 12 ft × 12 ft = 144 ft².
- Convert depth: 2 in ÷ 12 = 0.1667 ft.
- Cubic feet = 144 × 0.1667 = 24 ft³.
- Cubic yards = 24 ÷ 27 ≈ 0.889 yd³.
- Tons = 0.889 × 1.35 ≈ 1.20 tons.
You need approximately 0.889 yd³ (about 1.20 tons) of sand.
Key terms
- Cubic yard (yd³)
- The standard unit for bulk materials in the US; one cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet (3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft).
- Bulk density
- The mass of a loose material per unit volume, including air gaps between particles. Dry sand is approximately 2,700 lb/yd³ (1.35 tons/yd³).
- Depth conversion
- Sand depth is usually measured in inches; dividing by 12 converts to feet so all dimensions share the same unit before multiplying.
- Compaction
- Sand settles and compacts under load, reducing volume. For structural bases, account for compaction by ordering slightly more material than the loose-fill calculation suggests.
Frequently asked questions
- How much sand do I need for a patio base?
- A 1-inch layer of levelling sand under pavers requires about 0.89 cubic yards per 100 sq ft. Multiply your area by the depth factor accordingly.
- How much does a cubic yard of sand weigh?
- Dry sand typically weighs about 1.35 tons (2,700 lb) per cubic yard. Wet sand can weigh up to 1.6 tons per cubic yard.