Sand Calculator
Calculate how much sand you need by volume and weight. Enter area length, width and depth to get cubic feet, cubic yards, tons and kilograms instantly.
Updated 2026-06-14 · Free · No sign-up · Runs privately in your browser
Show the formula & steps
How the Sand Calculator Works
This tool tells you how much sand you need for a project, in both volume and weight. Enter the length, width and depth of the area you want to fill, choose your units, and it returns the volume in cubic feet and cubic yards, plus the weight in US tons and kilograms.
The Formula
Sand fills a rectangular space, so the volume is simply length times width times depth:
Volume = length × width × depth Weight = Volume (ft³) × density (lb/ft³)
The calculator converts every measurement to feet first, then multiplies. Dry sand has a density of about 100 lb/ft³; you can raise it to roughly 120 lb/ft³ for wet or compacted sand.
Worked Example
For an area 20 ft long, 10 ft wide, filled to a 3 inch depth (0.25 ft):
- Volume = 20 × 10 × 0.25 = 50 ft³
- In cubic yards = 50 ÷ 27 = ≈ 1.85 yd³
- Weight = 50 × 100 lb/ft³ = 5,000 lb = 2.5 US tons (≈ 2,268 kg)
Common Depths and Densities
Different jobs call for different depths and sand types. The table below shows quick references you can plug into the calculator.
| Use case | Typical depth | Suggested density |
|---|---|---|
| Paver bedding layer | 1 in | 100 lb/ft³ (dry) |
| Sandbox fill | 6-12 in | 100 lb/ft³ (dry) |
| Pipe/utility bedding | 4-6 in | 110-120 lb/ft³ (compacted) |
| Beach/play sand | varies | 100 lb/ft³ (dry) |
Buying Sand
Sand is usually sold by the ton or cubic yard, often delivered by truck. Use the cubic-yard figure to compare quotes, and the ton figure if your supplier prices by weight. Always order a little extra to cover compaction and waste so you do not run short partway through the job.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate how much sand I need?+
Multiply the area's length by its width to get the surface area, then multiply by the depth you want to fill, keeping all measurements in the same unit. The calculator converts everything to feet, returns the volume in cubic feet and cubic yards, and estimates the weight.
How much does a cubic foot of sand weigh?+
Dry loose sand weighs about 100 pounds per cubic foot, so a cubic yard (27 cubic feet) is roughly 2,700 pounds, or about 1.35 US tons. Wet or compacted sand is heavier, around 120 pounds per cubic foot. Adjust the density field for your material.
How many cubic yards of sand are in a ton?+
At about 100 pounds per cubic foot, one US ton (2,000 pounds) of dry sand is roughly 20 cubic feet, or about 0.74 cubic yards. Suppliers often sell sand by the ton, so converting your cubic-yard need into tons helps you order the right amount.
What depth of sand should I use under pavers?+
A bedding layer of sand under pavers is usually 1 inch (about 0.08 ft) thick, on top of a compacted gravel base. For a sandbox, 6 to 12 inches is common. Enter your chosen depth in inches and the calculator will handle the conversion.
Should I order extra sand?+
Yes. Add about 5-10% to your calculated amount to allow for compaction, uneven ground and spillage. It is cheaper to have a little left over than to stop a job and reorder a small top-up at a higher per-unit price.