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Sand Calculator

Quick answer: Sand volume equals area × depth ÷ 27 in cubic yards. Dry sand often weighs around 1.3 to 1.4 tons per yard, and wet sand more. A paver bedding layer of 1 inch over 200 square feet is about 0.62 yd³ before extra. Enter dimensions and your supplier's density for a weight estimate.

How the estimate works

Sand is used as paver bedding, joint fill, under above-ground pools and in sandboxes. Moisture changes weight a lot, so a delivered yard on a rainy day weighs more than the same yard dry. The tool does not decide which sand is suitable for a use; ask your supplier for the right grade.

Worked example: sand calculator

Illustrative examples (2026-10-29), not quotes or guarantees.

20 × 10 = 200 ft² × 1/12 ft = 16.7 ft³; +10% = 18.3 ft³ ≈ 0.68 yd³ ≈ 0.92 tons.

FAQ

How much sand for a sandbox?

Area × fill depth; a 6 × 6 ft box at 10 in is about 1.1 yd³.

Sand under pavers?

Usually a thin bedding layer; check the paver base calculator.

Is sand cheaper in bags?

Only for small jobs; compare per cubic foot.

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