Sand Calculator

Calculate the amount of sand needed for your construction or landscaping project.

Calculator

Enter Your Project Dimensions

Standard density is 1.6 tons per cubic yard

Complete Guide

Comprehensive Sand Guide

Sand is a naturally occurring granular material composed of finely divided rock and mineral particles. It's an essential material for numerous construction and landscaping projects, and understanding its properties can help you make informed decisions for your project.

What Is Sand?

Sand consists primarily of silica (silicon dioxide) in the form of quartz, though it can also contain varying amounts of other minerals depending on its source. Its particles typically range from 0.06mm to 2mm in diameter, distinguishing it from silt (finer) and gravel (coarser).

Sand Properties

Density

The typical density of sand is approximately 1,600 kg/m³ (100 lb/ft³ or 1.6 tons per cubic yard). This density can vary based on moisture content and grain size.

Compaction

Sand compacts under pressure, reducing its volume. For accurate calculations, add 5-10% extra to account for compaction.

Common Applications

  • Construction (concrete, mortar, masonry)
  • Landscaping (pathways, gardens, leveling)
  • Recreation (playgrounds, volleyball courts, golf bunkers)
  • Filtration systems (pool filters, water treatment)
  • Foundation and base material (patios, driveways, pavers)
  • Drainage systems

Choosing the Right Sand

The right type of sand depends on your specific project requirements:

Project Type Recommended Sand Type
Concrete Mixing Concrete sand (coarse, sharp)
Paver Base Leveling sand (fine, uniform)
Playgrounds Play sand (fine, washed, rounded)
Pool Filters Filter sand (uniform size, angular)
Landscaping Utility sand or mason sand

Purchasing Tips

  • Buy 5-10% more than your calculated amount to account for waste and compaction
  • Consider delivery costs, as sand is heavy and can be expensive to transport
  • Verify the moisture content, as wet sand weighs more but contains less actual material
  • Check local building codes for specific requirements on sand quality for structural applications
  • For large projects, buying in bulk (by the ton) is more economical than bagged sand

Environmental Considerations

Sand is a non-renewable resource in human timescales. Consider environmental impacts by:

  • Calculating quantities accurately to avoid waste
  • Using recycled sand when appropriate
  • Sourcing from sustainable suppliers that follow responsible extraction practices
  • Preventing runoff into water systems during installation
Guide

How to Calculate Sand Needed

To calculate the amount of sand needed for your project, follow these steps:

  1. 1
    Measure the length and width of your project area
  2. 2
    Determine the depth of sand needed
  3. 3
    Calculate the volume in cubic yards
  4. 4
    Multiply by the density to get weight in tons
Types

Types of Sand

Construction Construction Sand

  • Masonry Sand - For bricklaying
  • Concrete Sand - For concrete mixing
  • Fill Sand - For backfilling
  • Utility Sand - For general use

Specialty Specialty Sand

  • Play Sand - For playgrounds
  • Pool Sand - For pool filters
  • Golf Sand - For bunkers
  • Beach Sand - For landscaping
Tips

Coverage Tips

Preparation

  • Clear the area of debris
  • Level the ground
  • Install edging if needed
  • Consider drainage

Application

  • Spread evenly
  • Compact properly
  • Maintain proper moisture
  • Check for settling
Examples

Practical Examples

Example 1 Patio Base

A 12' × 12' patio with 4" depth:

Volume = (12 × 12 × 0.33) ÷ 27 = 1.76 cubic yards

Weight = 1.76 × 1.6 = 2.82 tons

Example 2 Playground Area

A 20' × 20' playground with 6" depth:

Volume = (20 × 20 × 0.5) ÷ 27 = 7.41 cubic yards

Weight = 7.41 × 1.6 = 11.86 tons

Tools

Construction Calculators

Need other tools?

Can't find the calculator you need? Contact us to suggest other construction calculators.