Sand Calculator
Estimate the volume, weight and cost of sand for your project.
Find how much sand you need for paver bedding, sandboxes or fill. Results in cubic yards, tons and cost.
How the Math Works
The Sand Calculator uses a straightforward volume-to-weight conversion formula: tons equals length times width times depth (in inches), divided by 12 to convert inches to feet, multiplied by the density of sand (typically 100 lbs per cubic foot), then divided by 2000 to convert pounds to tons. This calculates the total weight of sand needed by first determining the cubic footage of your project area, then applying the material's density to find the weight in pounds, and finally converting to tons for easy ordering and delivery calculations.
Practical Applications
To use this calculator practically, simply measure the length and width of your project area in feet and determine how deep you want the sand layer in inches. Enter these three measurements into the calculator, and it will instantly provide the volume in cubic feet, weight in tons, and often the cost based on current sand prices. This helps you know exactly how much sand to order before visiting the supplier, preventing both under-ordering that delays your project and over-ordering that wastes money.
Day-to-Day Use
Whether you're installing a new sandbox for your children, preparing a smooth base for patio stones, leveling a garden bed, or filling a sandbox, this calculator removes the guesswork from sand projects. Instead of estimating by eye or carrying unnecessary bags of sand, you can quickly determine exactly what you need, saving both time and money while ensuring your project has the right amount of material to be completed successfully.
Worked example
10 ft × 10 ft at 2 in deep → 16.7 ft³; at 100 lb/ft³ = 1,667 lb ≈ 0.83 tons.
FAQ
How much paver sand do I need?
Bedding sand is usually 1 inch deep under pavers.