Part of the Construction collection — 4 tools available
Sand Calculator
Calculate how much sand you need for paver bedding, leveling, or fill. Enter area dimensions and depth to estimate cubic yards, tons, and cost.
About This Calculator
Sand is the invisible backbone of many outdoor projects — from providing a level bedding layer under paver patios to creating proper drainage behind retaining walls and mixing mortar for brickwork. Ordering the right amount matters because sand deliveries have minimum charges and leftover piles take up yard space indefinitely. The challenge is converting your project's square footage and inch-level depth into cubic yards and tons, which are the units suppliers use. Our sand calculator handles this conversion using standard density factors and shows both bulk and bag quantities.
The Formula Behind This Calculator
Volume (cu yd) = Length * Width * (Depth / 12) / 27 Tons = Volume * 1.5 (sand density) Cost = Tons * Price
Understanding the math helps you verify results and make better decisions for your project.
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How to Use
- 1Enter the length and width of the area to cover in feet.
- 2Set the sand depth in inches (1" for paver bedding, 2-4" for base leveling).
- 3Enter the price per ton from your local supplier.
- 4Click Calculate for cubic yards, tons, and cost.
When to Use
- →Ordering bedding sand for a paver patio installation from a landscape supply yard
- →Calculating sand needed for leveling a pool base, play area, or athletic field
- →Estimating material costs for a French drain backfill or mortar mixing project
Tips
- ✓Use coarse concrete sand for paver bedding — play sand and mason sand are too fine and shift under load
- ✓Sand is heavy and has minimum delivery charges — if you need more than a few yards, bulk delivery beats bags
- ✓Do not compact the bedding sand layer itself — only compact the base material underneath before spreading sand
FAQ
What type of sand should I use under pavers?
Use concrete sand (coarse, angular) for the bedding layer — usually 1 inch thick. Avoid play sand or mason sand, which are too fine and shift under load.
How much does a ton of sand cover?
One ton covers roughly 100 sq ft at 1 inch deep or 50 sq ft at 2 inches deep, depending on sand type and compaction.
Do I need to compact sand under pavers?
Screed the sand to a uniform 1-inch layer — do not compact the bedding sand itself. The base material below should already be compacted before sand is placed.
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