Sand Calculator
Estimate sand in tons and cubic yards for base layers, fill, bedding, and masonry projects.
Your Sand Estimate
- Enter area — length and width of the space.
- Set depth — 1" for paver bedding, 2–4" for leveling, 4–12" for fill.
- Adjust density — 100 lb/ft³ for dry loose sand. Wet sand weighs significantly more.
- Add waste — 10% standard. Sand compresses and spreads — some loss is inevitable.
- Order by weight — sand is sold by the ton. One cubic yard ≈ 1.35 tons (dry).
How Much Sand Do I Need?
Sand is one of those materials where estimating by eye almost always leads to over- or under-ordering. The volume seems small until you realize that one cubic yard of sand weighs about 2,700 pounds (1.35 tons). A 1-inch bedding layer under pavers for a 10 × 10 ft patio takes roughly a third of a cubic yard — that's about half a ton of sand.
Sand density varies significantly based on moisture and type. Dry loose sand weighs about 100 lb/ft³, but wet packed sand can reach 130 lb/ft³ or more. If your sand has been rained on or stored outdoors, it will weigh 20–30% more than the dry figure. Adjust the density field accordingly.
Sand Types, Density & Uses
Not all sand is the same — density varies significantly by type, which affects how many tons you need per cubic yard. Septic system sand is graded to strict specifications:
| Sand Type | Density (lb/ft³) | Tons per yd³ | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Play sand | 90 | 1.22 | Sandboxes, volleyball courts |
| Mason sand | 100 | 1.35 | Mortar mix, paver bedding, pools |
| Concrete sand | 105 | 1.42 | Concrete mix, under-slab base |
| Fill sand | 110 | 1.49 | Backfill, grading, drainage |
| Torpedo sand | 115 | 1.55 | Drainage, pipe bedding |
| Washed septic sand | 100–105 | 1.35–1.42 | Septic drain fields, mound systems |
| Septic filter sand | 95–100 | 1.28–1.35 | Septic filter beds, sand filters |
| Clean washed sand (septic) | 100 | 1.35 | Leach field fill, mound base |
Septic system sand must meet local health department specifications — typically ASTM C33 or similar. Bulk density of washed septic sand is typically 1.35–1.42 tons per cubic yard dry. Wet septic sand weighs 10–15% more. Always confirm with your supplier.
Formulas
Volume and weight calculation:
Cubic yards = Volume ÷ 27
Weight (tons) = Volume × Density ÷ 2,000
Bags (50 lb) = Weight (lb) ÷ 50
Dry loose sand: ~100 lb/ft³. Wet sand: ~120–130 lb/ft³. Always confirm with your supplier whether they sell by dry or wet weight.
Related Calculators
Sand is used for bedding under pavers and gravel. Browse the full surface calculator collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
How deep should sand be under pavers?
The standard bedding sand layer under pavers is 1 inch deep (after compaction). This thin, consistent layer allows pavers to be set level and provides slight flexibility for minor adjustments. Do not use more than 1 inch — thicker sand layers compress unevenly over time and cause pavers to settle and shift. The sand layer sits on top of a 4–6 inch compacted gravel base.
How many tons of sand are in a cubic yard?
Dry sand weighs approximately 2,600–2,900 lbs per cubic yard (1.3–1.45 tons). Wet or compacted sand is heavier at up to 3,300 lbs/yd³. For ordering purposes, use 1.35 tons per cubic yard as a safe planning estimate. Suppliers sell sand by the ton or by the cubic yard — confirm units before ordering to avoid calculation errors.
What type of sand should I use under pavers?
Use coarse, washed concrete sand (also called bedding sand or leveling sand) — not fine play sand or mason sand. Coarse sand drains well, resists compaction over time, and provides a stable screed surface. Polymeric sand is used to fill the joints between pavers after installation — it hardens when wet and locks pavers in place while remaining flexible.
What type of sand should I use?
Sand type matters for the application. For paver bedding and screeding: coarse concrete sand (ASTM C33). For mortar and stucco: mason sand (finer, more uniform). For children's play areas: washed play sand (no sharp edges or contaminants). For drainage behind retaining walls: clean angular washed sand or pea gravel. Avoid fill sand (ungraded, contains silt) for any application requiring drainage or stability.
How much does sand weigh per cubic yard?
Sand weight varies with moisture and grain size, but a typical range is roughly 2,400 to 3,000 lb per cubic yard. If you're ordering by the ton, confirm the supplier's density assumption.