Sand Calculator: Cubic Yards, Tons & Bags
Calculate how many cubic yards, tons or bags of sand you need for a paver bed, sandbox, volleyball court or leveling layer.
A 4 × 4 ft sandbox filled 8 inches deep needs about 0.4 cubic yards of sand, roughly 0.5 tons or 21 bags of 50-lb sand. Formula: area × depth (inches ÷ 12) ÷ 27 = cubic yards; dry sand weighs about 1.3 tons per cubic yard.
Your numbers
Result
How much sand do I need?
Sand is ordered by the cubic yard or by the ton. Get the volume first, then convert to weight with the sand's density.
tons = cubic yards × 1.3 (dry) to 1.6 (wet)
Sand needed per 100 square feet
| Depth | Cubic yards | Tons (damp, 1.4) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 in | 0.31 | 0.43 |
| 2 in | 0.62 | 0.86 |
| 4 in | 1.23 | 1.73 |
| 6 in | 1.85 | 2.59 |
| 8 in | 2.47 | 3.46 |
| 12 in | 3.70 | 5.19 |
Common sand depths
| Project | Depth | Sand type |
|---|---|---|
| Paver bedding layer | 1 in | Coarse concrete sand |
| Sandbox | 6–12 in | Washed play sand |
| Leveling under sod | 1–2 in | Coarse topdressing sand |
| Volleyball court | 12–24 in | Washed volleyball sand |
| Mortar and masonry | — | Masonry sand (fine, screened) |
Which sand to buy?
Concrete (coarse) sand compacts well under pavers and slabs. Play sand is washed and fine, for sandboxes. Masonry sand is fine and screened, for mortar. Polymeric sand is a different product swept into paver joints. Avoid stone dust under pavers — it holds water.
For a full patio build, the paver calculator includes sand and base gravel together; for the stone base use the gravel calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a cubic yard of sand weigh?
Dry sand weighs about 2,600 lb (1.3 tons) per cubic yard; wet sand can reach 3,200 lb (1.6 tons).
How many 50-lb bags of sand are in a cubic yard?
About 52 bags of dry sand (2,600 lb ÷ 50). Bags are practical under about half a yard; bulk is cheaper beyond that.
How much sand do I need for a sandbox?
A 4 × 4 ft sandbox filled 8 inches deep needs about 0.4 cubic yards — roughly 0.5 tons, or about 21 bags of 50-lb dry sand (23 with 10% extra).
What kind of sand for pavers?
Use coarse, washed concrete sand for the bedding layer. Avoid fine play sand or stone dust, which can wash out and hold water.
How much does sand settle?
Expect about 10% compaction when it's tamped or watered, which is why 10% extra is included by default.
How much sand is in a ton?
A ton of dry sand is about 0.77 cubic yards (20.8 cubic feet).
How much does sand cost?
Bulk sand typically costs about $20–$45 per ton at a supply yard; bagged play sand is more expensive per pound.
Can I use beach sand?
Not for construction or sandboxes: it contains salt and fines. Buy washed construction or play sand.
Sources and further reading
- Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute — ICPI: paver, base and bedding guidance
- NIST Special Publication 811: conversion factors — National Institute of Standards and Technology
These references support the general guidance on this page. The calculator applies the standard formulas shown above to the numbers you enter.
Related calculators
. Estimates only. Always confirm quantities with your supplier or a qualified contractor before ordering, and add extra for waste and site conditions.