Sand Calculator

The Sand Calculator provides cubic yards and tons of sand needed for paver bases, sandboxes, leveling courses, and construction fill. Enter the area dimensions and depth to get an accurate quantity in cubic yards and tons, plus the amount with 10% waste for compaction and spreading.

Sand is a versatile construction material used for multiple purposes: concrete sand (coarse) for paver base and bedding, masonry sand (fine) for mortar and sandboxes, and fill sand for general grading. Each type has a slightly different density, with an average of approximately 2,600 lbs per cubic yard (1.3 tons per cu yd). Sand compacts significantly - typically 10-15% volume reduction under compaction - which is why the waste factor is critical.

This calculator is designed for bulk landscaping and construction sand orders. For concrete sand used in ready-mix, concrete is ordered by the cubic yard from a batch plant - the sand content is included in the mix design.