How Much Sand Do I Need?
Calculate the right amount of sand for pavers, leveling, sandboxes, and landscaping. Get results in cubic yards and tons with cost estimates.
Enter your dimensions above to calculate sand needed.
💡 1 cubic yard of sand covers approximately 162 sq ft at 2 inches deep
How to Calculate Sand Needed
Formula
Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (in) ÷ 324 = Cubic Yards
Multiply your area's length by width to get square footage. Multiply by depth in inches, then divide by 324 to convert to cubic yards.
Example
For a 10 ft × 10 ft paver base with 2 inches of sand: 10 × 10 × 2 ÷ 324 = 0.62 cubic yards. At 1.35 tons per cubic yard, that's about 0.83 tons.
Tips & Best Practices
- •For paver base, use 1–2 inches of coarse bedding sand (ASTM C-33).
- •Sandbox sand should be play-grade, washed, and non-toxic — plan for 4–6 inches deep.
- •Compact sand in layers for best stability — water lightly as you go.
- •Sharp or coarse sand is best for construction; fine sand for play areas.
Quick Reference
1 cubic yard of sand covers approximately 162 sq ft at 2 inches deep
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a cubic yard of sand weigh?+
A cubic yard of sand weighs approximately 2,500–3,000 lbs (1.25–1.5 tons). Dry sand averages about 1.35 tons per cubic yard, while wet sand can weigh significantly more.
How much does sand cost?+
Sand typically costs $20–$50 per cubic yard for bulk delivery. Play sand is $25–$40/yd³, while masonry or specialty sand can run $30–$50/yd³.
How deep should sand be under pavers?+
Use 1 inch of coarse bedding sand under pavers, over a compacted 4–6 inch gravel base. The sand provides a smooth, level surface for setting pavers.
How much sand do I need for a sandbox?+
Fill a sandbox 4–6 inches deep. For a 5 ft × 5 ft sandbox at 6 inches deep, you need about 0.46 cubic yards (roughly 12 bags of 50-lb play sand).