Sand Calculator
Enter the area and depth of your sand layer. The calculator returns the volume in cubic yards and converts it to tons (dry sand weighs about 1.35 tons per cubic yard) so you can order by weight. Sand is sold by the ton in bulk and by the 50 lb bag at the store.
Your measurements
Sand needed
1.67 tons
≈ 1.23 yd³
Estimates only. Verify against your supplier's coverage figures before ordering.
Footprint
Footprint to scale
Coverage
- Surface area
- 200 ft²
The formula
Tons = (Length ft × Width ft × (Depth in ÷ 12) ÷ 27) × 1.35 tons/yd³
Example: A 20 ft × 10 ft paver base at 2 in deep = 1.23 yd³ ≈ 1.7 tons of sand.
How it works
- 1Calculate the volume in cubic yards (area × depth ÷ 27).
- 2Multiply by ~1.35 to convert cubic yards to tons for sand.
- 3Suppliers usually sell by the ton, so order by weight.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a yard of sand weigh?
A cubic yard of dry sand weighs about 2,700 lb — roughly 1.35 tons. Wet or damp sand is heavier, up to about 1.6 tons per cubic yard, so confirm whether your supplier quotes a dry or wet weight.
How many 50 lb bags of sand are in a cubic yard?
About 54 bags. A cubic yard of dry sand weighs roughly 2,700 lb, and 2,700 ÷ 50 = 54. For anything more than a few bags it's cheaper to order bulk by the ton.
How deep should paver base sand be?
Use about 1 inch of bedding sand over your compacted gravel base — no more, or the pavers can settle unevenly. The calculator defaults to a thin layer for that reason; increase the depth for sandbox or fill projects.