Calculate cubic yards, tons and 50 lb bags of sand for paver bedding, sandboxes, pool bases and leveling projects.
Sand is measured by volume and usually sold by weight. Calculate the volume in cubic yards first, then convert to tons using the sand's density. Your supplier can quote either number.
Cubic Yards = (Length × Width × Depth in inches ÷ 12) ÷ 27Tons = Cubic Yards × 1.35 (dry) or × 1.5 (damp)(10 × 10 × 0.083) ÷ 27 = 0.31 cubic yards ≈ 0.42 tons
Dry sand weighs roughly 2,600–2,800 lb per cubic yard. Sand stockpiled outdoors usually holds moisture and can weigh 3,000 lb or more per yard. That's why the calculator lets you choose dry or damp. When in doubt, ask the yard what they use for their conversion.
| Project | Typical Sand Depth | Sand Type |
|---|---|---|
| Paver bedding layer | 1 inch | Concrete sand |
| Above-ground pool base | 2 inches | Mason or concrete sand |
| Children's sandbox | 6–12 inches | Washed play sand |
| Flagstone or stepping stones | 1–2 inches | Concrete sand |
| Lawn top-dressing / leveling | ⅛–¼ inch per pass | Sand-compost blend |
Concrete sand is coarse and drains well, which makes it the standard choice under pavers and flagstone. Mason sand is finer and smoother. It's used in mortar and makes a comfortable pool base. Play sand is washed and screened for sandboxes, but it's too fine for structural work. Fill sand is cheap and unwashed, and it's only suitable for filling low areas that won't carry a load.
For leveling a lawn, most turf specialists prefer a sand-compost blend over pure sand. Pure sand can create layers in heavy soils that block drainage.
| Sand Type | Bulk (per ton) | Bagged (50 lb) |
|---|---|---|
| Fill sand | $10–$30 | n/a |
| Concrete sand | $25–$55 | $5–$8 |
| Mason sand | $30–$60 | $5–$9 |
| Play sand | $35–$70 | $5–$8 |
A 50 lb bag holds about half a cubic foot, so one cubic yard equals roughly 54 bags. Beyond about half a yard, bulk delivery is almost always cheaper and saves a lot of lifting.