Sand Calculation Formula
Use our free calculator above to get cubic yards, tons, and bag counts instantly. The math behind it:
Cubic Feet = Length × Width × (Depth ÷ 12) Cubic Yards = Cubic Feet ÷ 27 Tons = Cubic Yards × Density (sand ≈ 1.35 t/yd³)
Material Densities
| Material | Density (tons/yd³) | lbs per cubic foot |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Sand | 1.35 | ~100 |
| Gravel | 1.50 | ~110 |
| Topsoil | 1.10 | ~85 |
| Mulch | 0.25 | ~20 |
| Pea Gravel | 1.47 | ~108 |
Typical Depths by Project
| Project | Recommended Depth |
|---|---|
| Paver base / patio sand | 1 inch (screeding layer) |
| Sandbox | 6–8 inches |
| Playground base | 9–12 inches |
| Garden bed topsoil | 6–8 inches |
| Lawn topdressing | ¼–½ inch |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much sand do I need under pavers?+
For a paver patio or walkway, use 1 inch of bedding sand (coarse, concrete sand) under the pavers. For a 200 sq ft patio at 1-inch depth, you need about 0.62 cubic yards or roughly 0.84 tons of sand.
How many bags of sand per square foot?+
For a 1-inch sand layer under pavers: one 50-lb bag covers about 6 sq ft. For a 2-inch layer, one bag covers 3 sq ft. At 3 inches, one 50-lb bag covers only about 2 sq ft.
What type of sand is used for paver base?+
Use coarse concrete sand (also called sharp sand or builder's sand) for paver bedding — not play sand or mason sand. Concrete sand drains well and resists shifting. For polymeric sand between pavers, use special polymeric jointing sand.
How much sand do I need for a sandbox?+
A typical backyard sandbox (4 ft × 6 ft × 8 inches deep) needs about 1.33 cubic yards or approximately 18 cubic feet of sand. That's about 9 bags of 50-lb play sand. Use washed play sand — not construction sand.