MeasureMaterial

Sand Calculator

Calculate sand volume in cubic yards and estimated tons for patios, pavers, and fill.

Target depth for base, leveling, or fill.

Extra material for cuts, spillage, and irregular areas.

Tons per cubic yard for your sand type. Moisture changes weight — ask your supplier for the material you are ordering.

How to use

Enter length, width, and depth, set waste, then enter density from your supplier (or start from the planning default).

How the calculation works

Volume is computed like other bulk materials, then tons = adjusted cubic yards × density.

Formula

volume_ft³ = length_ft × width_ft × depth_ft; volume_yd³ = volume_ft³ ÷ 27; adjusted = volume_yd³ × (1 + waste%/100); tons = adjusted_yd³ × density_tons_per_yd³

Example calculation

A 10 ft × 10 ft area at 2 in deep is 16.67 ft³ (about 0.617 yd³) before waste. At 1.35 ton/yd³ → about 0.83 tons.

Assumptions

  • Shape

    Simple rectangular volume

    Material: sand · Key: geometry

    Does not model slopes or trenches with varying depth.

    Source: Geometric model

  • Default density (tons / yd³)

    1.35 tons per cubic yard

    Material: sand · Key: density

    Dry sand is often planned near ~1.3–1.4 ton/yd³; moisture content changes weight significantly. Confirm with supplier. Treat masonry, concrete, and play sand as different materials when asking your supplier.

    Source: Planning default — confirm with your product label or supplier quote. Not a lab or manufacturer certification.

  • Moisture

    Not modeled

    Material: sand · Key: moisture

    Wet sand weighs more than dry sand at the same volume.

    Source: Physical property note

Practical notes

  • Pavers and playground sand are different products — match the sand type to the job.
  • Suppliers may quote by the ton or by the yard.
  • Compaction and moisture change how far a load goes.

Limitations

  • Density is a planning assumption, not a lab measurement for your load.
  • Does not design structural bases or drainage.
  • Planning estimate only.

FAQ

Why is density editable?
Different sands and moisture contents weigh differently. Estimated tons always depend on the density you use.
Which sand density should I use?
Ask your supplier for tons per cubic yard for the specific sand you are buying. The default is only a planning starting point.

Related calculators

Results are planning estimates. See the Calculator Disclaimer.