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Trowelly

Sand Calculator

Enter the area and depth to see how much sand to buy for paver bedding, a sandbox or a leveling layer.

Units
ft
ft
in

Paver bedding sand is about 1 in; sandboxes 6–12 in.

%
Add prices for a cost estimate (optional)
per ton
per bag

Results

Cubic yards
0.34 yd³
Approximate weight
0.46 tons
Cubic feet
9.2 ft³
Cubic meters
0.26 m³
Approximate weight (metric)
0.42 t
0.5 ft³ bags
19 bags
Area covered
100 ft²
  • Weight uses a typical sand density of about 1.35 tons per cubic yard; moisture and stone size change this, so confirm with your supplier.
  • Includes 10% extra.

Where to buy

Quantities from your result, with links to search each store.

Your ZIP code stays on this device. We use it to show stores and suppliers in your area.

Links search each store’s website. Check prices and stock before you go.

How to use the sand calculator

  1. Choose a Shape and enter its dimensions, or enter the area directly.
  2. Enter the Depth: about 1 in for paver bedding, 6–12 in for a sandbox.
  3. Keep the 10% Extra for compaction & spillage or adjust it.
  4. Optionally add a bulk price per ton or a price per 0.5 ft³ bag.

How it works

The calculator multiplies area by depth and adds 10% by default for compaction and spillage. Weight uses a typical dry sand density of about 2,700 lb per cubic yard, or 1.35 tons. Damp sand weighs more, so confirm with your supplier, who usually sells bulk sand by the ton.

Bag counts assume 0.5 ft³ bags, a common size for play and all-purpose sand.

Volume (ft³) = area (ft²) × depth (in) ÷ 12 × (1 + extra %)

Cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27

Tons = cubic yards × 2,700 lb ÷ 2,000

Bags = cubic feet ÷ 0.5, rounded up

Worked example

With the default inputs, a 10 × 10 ft area 1 in deep, as for paver bedding, is 8.3 ft³. With 10% extra that is 9.2 ft³, or 0.34 cubic yards.

That works out to about 0.46 tons of sand, or 19 bags of 0.5 ft³.

Tips before you buy

  • Use coarse, washed concrete sand for paver bedding. Fine play sand is better kept for sandboxes.
  • Screed bedding sand to an even 1 in rather than using it to fix low spots in the base.
  • Polymeric joint sand is a separate product; check its bag label for coverage based on paver size and joint width.
  • Cover a sandbox when not in use to keep it clean and dry.

Frequently asked questions

How much sand do I need for pavers?

Pavers usually sit on about 1 in of bedding sand. For 100 ft² that is about 0.34 cubic yards, or roughly 0.46 tons, including 10% extra.

How much does a cubic yard of sand weigh?

Dry sand weighs about 2,700 lb (1.35 tons) per cubic yard, which the calculator uses. Wet sand is heavier.

How much sand do I need for a sandbox?

Fill 6–12 in deep. A 5 × 5 ft sandbox 6 in deep needs 12.5 ft³, about 0.46 cubic yards or 25 bags of 0.5 ft³, before extra.

How many bags of sand are in a cubic yard?

A cubic yard is 27 ft³, so it takes 54 bags of 0.5 ft³.

Results are estimates based on the measurements you enter and typical material properties. Products vary, so check quantities with your supplier and follow product labels and your local building codes. Read the full disclaimer. Last reviewed October 9, 2026.