How to use this sand calculator
Estimate fill, leveling sand and bedding quantities. Measure the longest and widest sides in feet and the material depth in inches. The tool estimates cubic yards and converts to short tons using the density you enter. Apply an allowance for uneven ground, compaction, or spillage as appropriate to the material.
Important assumptions
Wet sand can be significantly heavier than dry sand. Check density with your supplier and allow extra for compaction and grading.
Formula used
Volume (cubic yards) = length (ft) × width (ft) × depth (in) ÷ 324. Then multiply by (1 + your additional allowance as a decimal). Estimated US short tons = cubic yards × your density in US short tons per cubic yard.
For bulk material, enter price per yard or ton as labelled. The calculator adds any delivery fee entered, but does not automatically include tax, labor, permits or disposal.
Common project planning mistakes
- Confusing cubic yards of volume with tons of weight.
- Ordering by loose volume when your specifications refer to compacted depth.
- Assuming one dump truck can legally transport every material at the same payload.
- Using a national average price instead of requesting a local supplier quote.
Disclaimer: These estimates are for planning only and do not replace engineering specifications or quotes.
Example sand quantities
These examples use rectangular measurements with no extra allowance. The weight column uses an illustrative density; replace it with your supplier’s figure.
| Project size | Depth | Cubic yards | Weight at 1.35 US tons/yd³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 × 10 ft | 2 in | 0.62 | 0.83 US tons |
| 20 × 10 ft | 3 in | 1.85 | 2.50 US tons |
| 40 × 12 ft | 4 in | 5.93 | 8.00 US tons |
Common questions
Can I use this for paver bedding sand?
Yes, for a rectangular layer with the depth specified for your chosen paving system. The paver patio calculator can estimate pavers, gravel base and bedding sand together. Jointing sand needs a different coverage calculation.
How much does a cubic yard of sand weigh?
There is no universal value. Moisture, grading and the product affect bulk density. Enter the supplier’s US tons-per-yard conversion; the default is an illustrative starting point that you can change.
What if the area is round or irregular?
This tool models a rectangle. Calculate smaller rectangular sections and add them, or obtain the actual area before planning your order. Avoid using the bounding rectangle if it would substantially overstate the area.
Understand cubic yards, US tons and supplier conversion factors →