Sand calculator
Sand is sold by the cubic yard in bulk and in bags at retail. Enter your project dimensions and this calculator gives you the volume and weight to order.
Cubic Yards
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Cubic Feet
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Cubic Meters
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Weight (lb)
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Weight (tons)
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Formula
Volume (cu ft) = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (in) ÷ 12
Volume (cu yd) = cu ft ÷ 27
Weight (lb) = cu ft × 100
Example
Patio base 12 ft × 10 ft at 1.5 inches deep:
Volume = 12 × 10 × 1.5 / 12 = 15 cu ft = 0.56 cu yd
Weight = 15 × 100 = 1,500 lb = 0.75 tons
Frequently asked
How much does a cubic yard of sand weigh?
Dry sand: about 2,700 lbs (1.35 tons). Wet sand: up to 3,200 lbs. This calculator uses 100 lb/cu ft as a standard dry-sand estimate.
How deep should I put sand under pavers?
1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) of compacted bedding sand is standard for paver installation.
How many 50-lb bags are in a cubic yard?
A 50-lb bag is about 0.5 cu ft. You need about 54 bags per cubic yard.
Does this include compaction?
No. Sand compacts about 10–15%. Order 10–15% extra to account for settling.
How do I share my calculation?
Click "Share with my numbers" to copy a URL with your dimensions.