How much sand you need
Find the volume from area and depth: cubic yards = length × width × (depth in inches ÷ 12) ÷ 27. A 20 ft × 10 ft area at 2 inches deep is about 1.23 cubic yards, which weighs roughly 1.67 tons at typical dry-sand density (about 1.35 tons per cubic yard). Bulk sand is ordered by the yard, which the square feet to cubic yards calculator converts to.
How to use this calculator
Enter the length and width in feet and the depth in inches. The result shows cubic yards, estimated tons, and cubic feet. For paver or pool base, the depth is usually 1–2 inches of leveling sand.
Sand weight varies with moisture
This tool uses about 1.35 tons per cubic yard for dry sand. Wet or compacted sand is heavier — closer to 1.5+ tons per cubic yard. If buying by weight, ask your supplier for the density of the specific product. Mortar sand for masonry is easier to plan next to the brick calculator.
Order a little extra
Sand settles into uneven ground and is lost to spillage, so add about 5–10%. For coarser base material under the sand, use the gravel calculator.
Do not treat bedding sand as a structural base. Sand alone shifts under load, so pavers need a compacted aggregate base with only a thin screeded sand layer on top, usually 1 inch and never more than about 1.5 inches, or the surface will rut.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I calculate how much sand I need?
- Multiply length × width × depth in feet for cubic feet, then divide by 27 for cubic yards. Multiply cubic yards by about 1.35 for tons.
- How many tons is a cubic yard of sand?
- About 1.35 tons for dry sand; wet or compacted sand can be 1.5 tons or more per cubic yard.
- How deep should leveling sand be?
- For pavers, about 1 inch of bedding sand over a compacted base is typical. Pool bases are often 2 inches.
- Should I order extra sand?
- Yes — add 5–10% for settling and spillage so you don't come up short.
- How many bags of sand are in a cubic yard?
- About 54 fifty-pound bags, since each holds roughly half a cubic foot. Bulk delivery is far cheaper once you pass about half a cubic yard.