Sand Calculator
Enter your area and depth to see how many cubic yards, tons or 50 lb bags of sand you need.
Typical depths for sand
| Job | Typical depth |
|---|---|
| Bedding layer under pavers | 1 in |
| Sandbox | 6–12 in |
| Leveling under an above-ground pool | about 2 in (check the pool maker's instructions) |
Typical ranges, not specifications. Follow your project's plans or local requirements where they apply.
How much does a cubic yard of sand cover?
One cubic yard is 27 cubic feet. Spread it 1 inch deep and it covers 324 square feet. Every extra inch of depth cuts the coverage proportionally. A cubic yard of sand weighs about 1.35 tons.
| Depth | 1 cubic yard covers |
|---|---|
| 1 in | 324 sq ft |
| 2 in | 162 sq ft |
| 3 in | 108 sq ft |
| 4 in | 81 sq ft |
| 6 in | 54 sq ft |
How the sand calculator works
Area = length × width (circle: π × radius²; triangle: base × height ÷ 2)
Cubic feet = area × (depth in inches ÷ 12)
Cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27
Tons = cubic yards × weight per cubic yard ÷ 2,000
Worked example: a 6 × 6 ft sandbox, 8 in deep
Area: 6 × 6 = 36 sq ft. Volume: 36 × (8 ÷ 12) = 24 cubic feet. Cubic yards: 24 ÷ 27 = 0.89 cubic yards, which weighs about 1.2 tons at 2,700 lb per cubic yard.
Adding 10% for settling brings it to 0.98 cubic yards, about 1.32 tons. Sand is usually sold by the ton, the cubic yard or by the bag.
Tips before you order
- Bagged sand is sold by weight, so the bag count here uses the weight per cubic yard.
- Paver base and play sand are different products. Buy the one made for your job.
Questions people ask
How much does a cubic yard of sand weigh?
About 1.35 tons (2,700 lb) is a typical figure. Most sand weighs 2,600–3,000 lb per cubic yard, depending on the material and how wet it is. Your supplier can tell you the weight of theirs.
How many square feet does a yard of sand cover?
One cubic yard covers 162 sq ft at 2 inches deep, 108 sq ft at 3 inches and 81 sq ft at 4 inches. The rule: 324 ÷ depth in inches.
How do I convert cubic yards of sand to tons?
Multiply cubic yards by the weight per cubic yard and divide by 2,000. At 2,700 lb per yard, that's cubic yards × 1.35.
How many 50 lb bags of sand are in a cubic yard?
About 54 50 lb bags make one cubic yard (at the default weight).
How much sand do I need for a 6 × 6 ft sandbox, 8 in deep?
About 0.89 cubic yards (about 1.2 tons), or 0.98 cubic yards with 10% extra for settling.