Sand is one of the most versatile materials in construction and landscaping. From concrete mixing and masonry work to playgrounds, sandbox projects, and beach-style landscaping, getting the right amount is essential. Our free sand calculator provides precise volume, weight, and cost estimates for any sand project.

Simply enter the length, width, and depth of your project area, and our calculator instantly provides the volume in cubic yards and cubic feet, along with estimated weight in pounds and tons.

Concrete Sand

Description: Coarse, angular sand with particles up to 3/16 inch

• Best for: Mixing concrete, mixing mortar, pipe bedding, traction sand
• Texture: Gritty, rough feel
• Drainage: Excellent
• Weight: Approximately 2,400-2,700 lbs per cubic yard (1.2-1.35 tons)

Mason Sand

Description: Fine, smooth sand with small particle size

• Best for: Mortar mixing, plastering, stucco, under pavers, sandbox, volleyball courts
• Texture: Soft, smooth feel
• Drainage: Moderate
• Weight: Approximately 2,400-2,600 lbs per cubic yard (1.2-1.3 tons)

Play Sand

Description: Specially washed and graded sand, free of silica dust

• Best for: Sandboxes, playgrounds, volleyball courts
• Texture: Very fine, soft
• Safety: Non-toxic, washed and screened
• Weight: Approximately 2,200-2,400 lbs per cubic yard (1.1-1.2 tons)

Fill Sand

Description: Unwashed, unscreened sand with varying particle sizes

• Best for: Fill material, raising ground level, backfill
• Texture: Variable
• Cost: Least expensive
• Weight: Approximately 2,400-2,800 lbs per cubic yard (1.2-1.4 tons)

Polymeric Sand

Description: Fine sand mixed with polymer additives for paver joints

• Best for: Filling joints between pavers, preventing weed growth
• Application: Swept into joints, then activated with water
• Coverage: Typically 40-80 sq ft per 50 lb bag depending on joint width

The Basic Formula

Volume (cubic feet) = Length (ft) x Width (ft) x Depth (ft)

Volume (cubic yards) = Cubic feet / 27

If your depth is in inches: Depth (ft) = Depth (inches) / 12

Coverage Reference

• 1 inch deep: 324 sq ft per cubic yard
• 2 inches deep: 162 sq ft per cubic yard
• 3 inches deep: 108 sq ft per cubic yard
• 4 inches deep: 81 sq ft per cubic yard
• 6 inches deep: 54 sq ft per cubic yard

Example Calculations

Sandbox 5x5 feet, 12 inches deep:

• Volume: 5 x 5 x 1 = 25 cubic feet
• Cubic yards: 0.93 cubic yards
• Weight (play sand): approximately 2,100 lbs (1.05 tons)
• 50 lb bags: approximately 42 bags

Paver base 10x20 foot patio, 1 inch sand layer:

• Volume: 10 x 20 x 0.083 = 16.67 cubic feet
• Cubic yards: 0.62 cubic yards
• Weight (mason sand): approximately 1,550 lbs (0.78 tons)

Fill area 20x30 feet, 6 inches deep:

• Volume: 20 x 30 x 0.5 = 300 cubic feet
• Cubic yards: 11.11 cubic yards
• Weight (fill sand): approximately 28,900 lbs (14.4 tons)

Concrete Mixing

Sand is a key ingredient in concrete:

• Standard concrete mix ratio: 1 part cement, 2 parts sand, 3 parts gravel
• Mortar mix ratio: 1 part masonry cement, 3 parts mason sand
• Stucco mix ratio: 1 part cement, 3-5 parts sand

Sand needed per 80lb bag of concrete:

• Pre-mixed bags already contain sand
• For mixing from scratch: approximately 60 lbs of sand per bag equivalent

Under Pavers

Sand layer specifications:

• Bedding sand: 1 inch of mason sand under pavers
• Provides leveling surface for pavers
• Not for structural base (use crushed stone base first)
• Polymeric sand for joints between pavers

Playgrounds and Sandboxes

Depth recommendations:

• Residential sandbox: 8-12 inches deep
• Playground fall zone: 12 inches minimum (CPSC standard)
• Volleyball court: 12-18 inches deep
• Use only approved play sand for children

Mix Ratios by Volume

Standard concrete (3000 psi):

• 1 part Portland cement
• 2 parts concrete sand
• 3 parts gravel/crushed stone
• 0.5 parts water (approximately)

Mortar (Type S):

• 1 part masonry cement
• 3 parts mason sand
• Water to workable consistency

Stucco scratch coat:

• 1 part Portland cement
• 3-4 parts plaster sand
• Water to workable consistency

Estimating Sand for Concrete Projects

For a 10x10 slab, 4 inches thick (1.23 cubic yards concrete):

• Sand needed: approximately 1.0 cubic yards
• Gravel needed: approximately 1.5 cubic yards
• Cement needed: approximately 6 bags (94 lb)

Buying Sand by the Yard

Bulk sand delivery:

• Minimum delivery: typically 3-5 cubic yards
• Delivered by dump truck
• More economical for large projects
• Prices vary by region and sand type

Buying Sand by the Bag

Bagged sand options:

• 50 lb bags at home improvement stores
• Convenient for small projects
• More expensive per cubic yard than bulk
• Easier to transport and handle

Weight Conversion

• 1 cubic yard of sand = approximately 2,400-2,700 lbs (1.2-1.35 tons)
• 1 cubic foot of sand = approximately 90-100 lbs
• 50 lb bag = approximately 0.5 cubic feet

Sand Settlement Factors

• Loose sand: Settles 10-15% when compacted
• Wet sand: May settle more than dry sand
• Vibrated sand: Can compact 15-20%
• Order 10-15% extra to account for settling

Compaction Tips

• For fill: Compact in 4-6 inch lifts (layers)
• Under pavers: Screed level, do not compact bedding sand
• For concrete base: Compact thoroughly before pouring
• For playgrounds: Do not compact play sand

How much sand do I need for a 4x4 sandbox, 10 inches deep?

• Volume: 4 x 4 x 0.83 = 13.33 cubic feet
• Cubic yards: 0.49 cubic yards
• Weight (play sand): approximately 1,150 lbs
• 50 lb bags: approximately 23 bags

What is the difference between concrete sand and mason sand?

• Concrete sand: Coarser, angular particles, used for mixing concrete and drainage
• Mason sand: Finer, smoother particles, used for mortar, plaster, and under pavers
• Both types have different applications and should not be substituted interchangeably

How much does a yard of sand weigh?

• Average: 2,400-2,700 lbs (1.2-1.35 tons)
• Wet sand weighs more than dry sand
• Fine sand weighs more than coarse sand per cubic yard
• Use 2,500 lbs as a general estimate for planning

Can I use beach sand for concrete?

No, beach sand is not recommended for construction because:

• Contains salt that can corrode reinforcing steel
• May contain organic impurities
• Rounded particles create weaker concrete
• Building codes typically prohibit its use in structural concrete

How much sand do I need under pavers?

For a standard patio:

• Base layer: 4-6 inches of crushed stone (not sand)
• Bedding layer: 1 inch of mason sand
• Joint fill: Polymeric sand swept between pavers
• For a 10x20 patio: approximately 0.6 cubic yards of mason sand for bedding

Accurate sand calculation prevents running short or overspending. Use our calculator to estimate your volume and weight, then add 10-15% for settling and compaction.

Remember: Using the right type of sand for your specific application is critical. Concrete sand for structural mixes, mason sand for mortar and paver bedding, and play sand for children's areas. Each type is graded and processed for its intended purpose.