Sand Calculator

Length, width and depth to cubic yards, tons and bags.

Your estimate

Results update as you type. Round up when ordering.

Based on 50 lb bags of all-purpose sand and about 1.35 tons per cu yd. Check the bag label.

  • Formula checked against manufacturer specs
  • Rounded up to whole units
  • Runs in your browser

Sand weight and volume

Dry sand weighs about 100 lb per cubic foot, or roughly 1.35 tons per cubic yard; wet sand can be 1.5+ tons per yard. Volume = L × W × depth(in) ÷ 12, then ÷ 27 for cubic yards.

Example: a 10 × 10 ft area at 2 in = 16.67 cu ft = 0.62 cu yd ≈ 0.83 tons ≈ 34 bags of 50 lb.

Which sand?

  • Concrete/coarse sand: paver bedding layer
  • Polymeric sand: paver joints
  • Play sand: washed, screened sandboxes
  • Mason sand: mortar and smooth finish work

✓ Formula reviewed and tested · Updated Oct 2026

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FAQ

How accurate is the sand calculator?

It uses the standard formula shown on this page and rounds bags, boxes and pieces up to whole units. Product sizes vary by brand, so confirm with the label or your supplier before you buy.

Should I buy extra material?

Yes. A 5–10% allowance covers cuts, spills and uneven surfaces; running short mid-job usually costs more than a few leftovers.

Is this calculator free?

Yes. Every PorchMath calculator is free, needs no account and runs entirely in your browser.