Enter your area's length, width and depth to get exact sand needs in tons, cubic yards, cubic meters and 50lb bags — for pavers, play pits, and pool bases.
Quick Answer: To calculate sand, multiply Length × Width × Depth to get cubic feet. Divide by 27 to get cubic yards. Multiply cubic yards by the sand density (approx. 1.35 tons per cubic yard for dry sand) to get the weight in tons. Finally, add 10% for settling and waste.
Knowing exactly how much sand to order saves both money and a wasted trip back to the supply yard. Whether you're bedding pavers, filling a sandbox, or setting an above-ground pool base, this calculator turns your area's dimensions into a ready-to-order quantity — in cubic yards, cubic meters, tons, and standard 50lb bags.
If you prefer to run the numbers yourself, here is the standard formula used by contractors:
For a 10 ft × 10 ft area at 2 inches deep using dry sand: volume works out to about 0.62 cubic yards, weighing roughly 0.85 tons — that's about 34 bags of 50lb sand. Double the depth to 4 inches and both the tonnage and bag count double as well, since volume scales directly with depth.
Use this quick reference table to understand how volume translates to weight and bags for standard projects.
| Project Type | Typical Depth | Volume (per 100 sq ft) | Weight (Dry Sand) | 50lb Bags Needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paver Joints | 1 inch | 0.31 cu yd | ~0.42 tons | 17 bags |
| Paver Bedding | 2 inches | 0.62 cu yd | ~0.85 tons | 34 bags |
| Sandbox Play Area | 4 inches | 1.23 cu yd | ~1.70 tons | 68 bags |
| Pool Base Cove | 6 inches | 1.85 cu yd | ~2.50 tons | 100 bags |
The biggest challenge in estimating sand isn't volume — it's weight. Density changes with moisture content: dry sand typically weighs around 2,700 lb per cubic yard, while wet sand can exceed 3,000 lb. This is why bulk suppliers often sell sand by the ton rather than the yard. Select the sand type that matches your source material above to get the most accurate weight.
Quick reference for how far a standard 50lb bag of sand goes at common depths:
| Depth | Coverage per 50lb Bag | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| 1 in | ~5.3 sq ft | Paver joint filling |
| 2 in | ~2.6 sq ft | Paver bedding layer |
| 4 in | ~1.3 sq ft | Shallow fill, edging |
| 6 in | ~0.9 sq ft | Sandbox play depth |
A fine-grained, washed sand used in mortar for brickwork or between pavers. Its smooth texture and consistent grain size make it ideal for projects where clean, tight joints matter — it's screened to remove larger particles that would weaken a mortar bond.
Unlike standard sand, polymeric sand contains additives that harden when wet. It's the standard choice for paver joints because it locks the joint in place, resisting weed growth and ant activity that loose sand can't prevent.
Washed and screened for safety, play sand uses naturally rounded grains rather than sharp-edged particles, reducing scratches during digging. A 4-6 inch depth is standard for a residential sandbox to allow proper impact absorption and digging depth.
Material costs can vary significantly based on your location and the type of sand you choose. As a general rule of thumb in 2026:
Our calculator includes a "Cost per Ton" input so you can instantly estimate your total material budget for bulk orders. Don't forget to factor in delivery fees, which can range from $50 to $150 depending on your location and order size.
For small projects, 50lb bags from a local hardware store are the most convenient option. But for anything larger than a small sandbox, bulk delivery is significantly more cost-effective per pound. One cubic yard of sand is roughly equivalent to 54 bags of 50lb mix — once your total exceeds about two tons, it's almost always worth calling a local quarry or landscape supply yard for a bulk quote.
For above-ground pools, the sand base "cove" is critical for liner longevity — an uneven or too-thin base is one of the most common causes of premature liner wear. For paver installations, a 1-inch sand bedding layer is the industry standard: it provides a flat, adjustable surface that lets you fine-tune paver height during leveling before joint sand locks everything in place.
Our calculator gives you the material estimate. Now connect with local sand and gravel suppliers for the best bulk pricing.
Find Local Suppliers →Q: How many tons are in a cubic yard of sand?
A: On average, one cubic yard of dry sand weighs about 1.35 tons. Wet sand is heavier, at approximately 1.5 tons per yard.
Q: How much sand do I need for a 10x10 area at 2 inches deep?
A: You would need approximately 0.62 cubic yards, which is roughly 0.85 tons or 34 bags (50lb).
Q: What is the difference between concrete sand and play sand?
A: Concrete sand is coarser and has larger particles for structural strength. Play sand is washed and screened to be finer and softer for recreational use.
Q: How deep should the sand be for a sandbox?
A: A depth of 4 to 6 inches is standard for a residential sandbox to allow for digging and play.
Q: How many bags of sand are in one cubic yard?
A: One cubic yard of sand is roughly equivalent to 54 bags of 50lb sand mix.
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