Sand Calculator — How Much Sand Do I Need?

Enter the area and depth to estimate sand in cubic yards and tons — for paver bedding, sandboxes, pipe bedding, or leveling under a pool.

How this calculator works

Volume = length × width × depth. We convert to cubic yards (÷27) and estimate weight at about 1.35 tons per cubic yard for typical dry sand. Wet sand is heavier.

What changes how much you need

Paver bedding sand is usually screeded just 1 inch thick.
Wet or compacted sand weighs more than the dry estimate.
Mason and play sand sell in bags; bulk is cheaper past ~10–12 bags.
Add about 10% for raking and compaction.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a yard of sand weigh?

About 1.35 tons (≈2,400–2,900 lb) dry; wet sand can top 3,000 lb.

How thick should paver bedding sand be?

1 inch of coarse bedding sand over a compacted base is standard — thicker lets pavers settle unevenly.

How many bags of sand in a cubic yard?

A 50-lb bag holds about 0.5 cubic foot, so a cubic yard (27 ft³) is roughly 54 bags.