Sand calculator
Calculate this loadPaver sand, mason sand, and play sand are different products that share the same volume math. Plan on about 1.35 tons per loose yard.
Project calculator
Area 1
Cubic yards
0.31 yd³
Tons
0.42 t
2 cu ft bags
5
Estimated cost
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Sand planning density 1.35 t/yd³ (FHWA / Engineering Toolbox dry-to-damp sand ~2,400–3,000 lb/yd³). Order 0.5 yd³ with 5% waste. 3 cu ft bags: 3.
Sand is dense, cheap, and easy to under-order because the layer is thin. Bedding sand under pavers is often 1 inch. A play pit might be 8–12 inches. A volleyball court is a different conversation. The calculator does not care which sand you buy; your yard does. Mason sand is finer. Concrete sand is sharper. Play sand is washed. Polymeric sand is a joint product, not a base, and is sold by the bag on purpose.
FHWA and engineering tables put damp sand in the 2,400–3,000 lb/yd³ band. We use 1.35 tons/yd³. Saturated sand in a truck after rain will weigh more; dry dune sand less.
For pavers, volume is only half the spec. You still need a compacted gravel base (often 4–6 inches) under that inch of sand. Calculate gravel on the gravel page and sand here, then send both quantities in one lead.
Bags of sand are heavy and few. A 50 lb bag is not a cubic foot. Use the bag output only as a last resort for tiny patches; bulk wins quickly.
Formula
Yards = L × W × D ÷ 27. Tons ≈ yards × 1.35.
Worked example
A 12 × 12 ft paver patio with 1 inch of bedding sand is 144 × 0.083 ÷ 27 = 0.44 yd³.
Sand on the ground
Typical cover is 2 inches. Range 1.2–1.5 t/yd³. Mason, concrete, and play sand differ. Damp sand is heavier than dry.
Density table
| Material | t / yd³ | lb / yd³ | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gravel | 1.4 | 2800 | FHWA / typical crushed gravel 2,400–3,000 lb per loose cubic yard |
| Crushed stone | 1.35 | 2700 | ASTM C29 typical bulk density for crushed stone aggregates |
| Pea gravel | 1.3 | 2600 | Landscape industry pea-gravel bulk density, 2,400–2,800 lb/yd³ |
| Sand | 1.35 | 2700 | FHWA / Engineering Toolbox dry-to-damp sand ~2,400–3,000 lb/yd³ |
Related calculators
Gravel calculator
Size a driveway, path, or French drain in cubic yards first — then convert to tons using a cited 1.4 tons/yd³ planning density.
Dirt calculator
Fill dirt is sold by the yard and weighed by the ton. Plan with 1.15 tons per loose cubic yard, then confirm moisture with the yard.
Topsoil calculator
A new lawn wants about 4–6 inches of topsoil. A tired lawn can take a 1-inch dressing. Measure the area and we will do the yards.