Sand Volume Calculator

Cubic yards and tons of sand for a base, paver bed, or sandbox.

Inputs

Mason sand ≈ 1.3, masonry sand ≈ 1.35, dry-screened ≈ 1.4.

Result

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How to use this calculator

  • Enter the area and desired sand depth.
  • Adjust tons-per-yard for your sand type if known.
  • Use the bag count for repair-scale jobs; switch to bulk delivery for anything over a couple of yards.

About this calculator

Sand is heavier than it looks — about 1.35 tons per cubic yard. For a paver patio, the bedding layer is just 1 inch of sand, so a 10×10 patio only needs a single yard. The calculator also shows the equivalent count in 50-lb hardware-store bags for small jobs.

Frequently asked

What kind of sand should I use under pavers?+
Coarse, washed concrete sand for the bedding layer. Polymeric sand for the joints between pavers.
How deep should the sand layer be?+
1 inch is standard for a paver bed. Sandboxes: 6-12 inches.
Mason sand vs play sand?+
Mason sand is sharper and bonds better in mortar; play sand is washed and screened for safety. Don't confuse the two for masonry.
How much does a 50 lb bag of sand cover?+
About 0.4-0.5 ft³ depending on moisture content.
Will sand compact much over time?+
Yes — about 10-20%. For paver beds, this matters; plan to add a top-up after the first season.

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