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Sand Calculator
Find how much sand you need in cubic yards, tons, and 50 lb bags — for paver bedding, sandboxes, and leveling — with a built-in waste factor.
Results update automatically as you type.
Note: sand density varies with moisture and type. Bag counts assume a 50 lb bag holds about 0.5 cubic feet — check your product, as some bags list coverage differently.
How sand estimating works
Sand is a volume material: measure length × width × depth to get cubic feet, then convert to the unit your supplier uses. Bulk sand is sold by the cubic yard or ton; bagged sand by the 50 lb bag. This calculator gives all three at once so you can compare prices.
Common uses and depths
- Paver bedding sand: about 1 inch over a compacted gravel base.
- Sandbox: 6–12 inches for good play depth.
- Leveling / under-slab: 1–2 inches as a smoothing layer.
- Paver joints: polymeric sand swept into the gaps — estimated separately.
Weight and bag reference
| Measure | Approximate value |
|---|---|
| 1 cubic yard of dry sand | ~1.35 tons (~2,700 lb) |
| 1 ton of sand | ~0.74 cubic yards |
| 50 lb bag | ~0.5 cubic feet |
| Bags per cubic yard | ~54 |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a cubic yard of sand weigh?
About 1.35 tons (2,700 lb) dry; wet sand is heavier, near 1.5 tons.
How many 50 lb bags are in a cubic yard?
About 54 (27 cu ft ÷ 0.5 cu ft per bag).
How much sand for a paver base?
About 1 inch of bedding sand over compacted gravel — roughly 0.3 cu yd per 100 sq ft.