Calculate how much sand to order for a paver base, a sandbox, a beach volleyball court or leveling a lawn. Results are given in volume, weight and 50 lb (0.5 ft³) bags.
Dry sand weighs around 2,700 lb per cubic yard (1.6 t/m³); wet sand is heavier, so adjust the density if your supplier quotes a different figure.
Formula
Volume = Area × Depth · Weight = Volume × Density
For a 1-inch paver bedding layer, the depth is 1 ÷ 12 ≈ 0.083 ft.
Worked example
A 12 ft × 10 ft area filled 2 inches deep needs 120 × (2 ÷ 12) = 20 ft³ = 0.74 yd³ of sand, about 1 ton at 2,700 lb/yd³.
Typical sand depths
Paver bedding: about 1 inch (2.5 cm). Sandbox: 6–12 inches (15–30 cm). Under above-ground pools: about 2 inches (5 cm).
Frequently asked questions
How many bags of sand are in a ton?
About 40 bags of 50 lb sand make one US ton (2,000 lb).
How much does a yard of sand weigh?
Roughly 2,600–3,000 lb (1.3–1.5 tons) for dry sand; wet sand can weigh more.
Last updated · Calculations checked by automated tests· Editorial policy