Sand Calculator
Work out the volume and weight of sand for a paver bed, sandbox, volleyball court or fill. Choose dry or wet sand, or enter your supplier's density.
Result
- Cubic feet
- 33.3 cu ft
- Cubic meters
- 0.94 m³
- Pounds
- 3,333 lb
- Metric tonnes
- 1.51 t
- Area covered
- 200 sq ft
Densities are typical values for loose, dry material. Moisture and compaction change the weight, so confirm with your supplier before ordering by the ton.
Formula
- Volume = area × depth
- Cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27
- Tons = cubic yards × density (lb per cubic yard) ÷ 2,000
How the Sand Calculator works
Sand volume is area times depth. Dry loose sand weighs about 100 pounds per cubic foot, which is 2,700 pounds or 1.35 US tons per cubic yard. Wet sand holds water in its pores and weighs closer to 3,200 pounds per cubic yard.
A paver bedding layer is normally 1 inch of screeded sand. A sandbox is usually filled 6 to 12 inches deep.
Worked example
A 20 ft × 10 ft paver bed with 2 in of dry sand needs 20 × 10 × 0.1667 = 33.3 cu ft, which is 1.23 cubic yards and about 1.67 tons.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a cubic yard of sand weigh?
Dry sand weighs about 2,700 pounds per cubic yard, or 1.35 US tons. Wet sand can reach 3,200 pounds or more.
How many 50 lb bags of sand make a cubic yard?
About 54 bags of dry sand, since 2,700 ÷ 50 = 54. A 50 lb bag holds roughly half a cubic foot.
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