How Much Does a Yard of Sand Weigh?
Part of Landscaping & Aggregate
Quick answer
A cubic yard of dry sand weighs about 2,600–3,000 lb — roughly 1.3 to 1.5 tons. Most masonry and concrete sand is near 2,700 lb dry (1.35 tons). Wet sand is heavier, often 3,000–3,500 lb per yard, because water fills the gaps between grains.
Sand is sold by both volume (cubic yard) and weight (ton), so the weight per yard is what lets you convert between the two — and it matters because delivery trucks are rated by weight, not just volume.
Weight per cubic yard by sand type
| Sand type | Approx. weight per yard | Tons per yard |
|---|---|---|
| Dry masonry / play sand | ~2,600–2,700 lb | ~1.3 tons |
| Concrete / sharp sand | ~2,700–2,900 lb | ~1.4 tons |
| Fill / bank sand | ~2,800–3,000 lb | ~1.4–1.5 tons |
| Wet sand (any type) | ~3,000–3,500 lb | ~1.5–1.75 tons |
Quick sand conversions
- 1 cubic yard ≈ 2,700 lb dry ≈ 1.35 tons.
- 1 ton of sand ≈ 0.74 cubic yards (1 ÷ 1.35).
- 1 cubic foot of dry sand ≈ 100 lb (a yard is 27 ft³).
- A 50 lb bag holds about 0.5 ft³ — it takes roughly 54 bags to equal a cubic yard.
Use the gravel/sand calculator to turn your area and depth into cubic yards, then multiply by about 1.35 to get tons for a by-the-ton order. Wet or compacted fill sand runs heavier, so round up when a truck is weight-limited.
FAQs
How many tons is a yard of sand?
About 1.3–1.5 tons for dry sand, with 1.35 tons (≈2,700 lb) a good average. Wet sand can reach 1.5–1.75 tons per yard.
Does sand or gravel weigh more per yard?
They're close. Dry sand is about 2,600–3,000 lb per yard and crushed gravel about 2,400–3,000 lb. Sand packs tighter (smaller grains, fewer air gaps), so a yard of sand often edges out a yard of the same-weight gravel — and both get heavier wet.
How much does a 50 lb bag of sand cover?
A 50 lb bag is about 0.5 cubic feet, so it covers roughly 3 ft² at 2 inches deep or 6 ft² at 1 inch. It takes about 54 bags to make a cubic yard.