Sand Calculator
By Concrete Knowhow Editorial Team · Updated April 2024 · 4 min read
Quick Answer
Select your sand type, enter the area dimensions and depth, and get instant cubic feet, cubic yards, and tons — with density-adjusted weight for your specific sand.
Sand Type
Length
Width
Depth
Overage
Extra for spillage and uneven surfaces. A little leftover is better than running short.
Enter dimensions above to see results
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Common Coverage Areas — Quick Reference
Tons calculated using dry sand (1.35 t/yd³). No waste buffer.
| Area | Depth | Cubic Yards | Tons (Dry Sand) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10×10 ft | 1" | 0.31 | 0.42 |
| 10×10 ft | 2" | 0.62 | 0.84 |
| 10×20 ft | 1" | 0.62 | 0.84 |
| 10×20 ft | 2" | 1.23 | 1.66 |
| 20×20 ft | 2" | 2.47 | 3.33 |
| 20×40 ft | 2" | 4.94 | 6.67 |
| 20×40 ft | 4" | 9.88 | 13.33 |
How to Lay a Sand Base for Pavers — Step by Step
- Excavate the area. Dig down 5–7 inches: 4 inches for your gravel sub-base plus 1 inch of sand plus the thickness of your pavers. Remove all organic material.
- Install edge restraints. Plastic or metal edging keeps your paver field from spreading. Stake it securely before adding base material.
- Add and compact the gravel sub-base. Spread 4 inches of crushed stone (#57 or #411). Compact with a plate compactor in overlapping passes until the surface is firm and doesn't shift underfoot.
- Spread the sand layer. Add 1 inch of coarse bedding sand (not fine play sand). Use screed pipes and a long straight board to establish a perfectly flat, 1-inch-thick layer.
- Do not compact the sand. The sand layer should remain loose so pavers can be set and adjusted. Compacting it now defeats the purpose.
- Lay pavers. Start from a straight edge or corner. Set each paver by pressing it straight down — do not drag it, which disturbs the sand bed.
- Check for level frequently. Use a rubber mallet and level to adjust individual pavers. It's much easier to correct now than after the whole field is set.
- Compact and fill joints. Run the plate compactor over the finished surface. Sweep polymeric sand into joints, compact again, and mist lightly to activate the binder.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much sand do I need to level a 10×10 ft area at 2 inches deep?
- A 10×10 ft area at 2 inches deep requires 16.7 cubic feet — about 0.62 cubic yards or roughly 0.84 tons of dry sand. For a patio base, add 5–10% for waste and compaction.
- How deep should the sand base be under pavers?
- A paver sand base should be 1 inch of coarse bedding sand over a 4-inch compacted gravel sub-base. The sand layer levels and cushions the pavers — keep it at exactly 1 inch for best results.
- What is the difference between play sand and fill sand?
- Play sand is washed, fine-grained, and rounded — safe for sandboxes and children's areas. Fill sand is coarser, may contain silt, and is used for sub-base and drainage projects. Never use fill sand in a sandbox.
- How many tons of sand are in a cubic yard?
- It depends on type and moisture. Dry sand is about 1.35 tons per cubic yard; wet or packed sand can reach 1.68 tons per cubic yard. Use the sand type selector in the calculator for the most accurate result.
- How much does a cubic yard of sand cost?
- Bulk sand typically costs $15–$50 per cubic yard depending on type and location. Play sand in bags (50 lb) runs $5–$8 per bag at hardware stores — significantly more expensive per cubic yard than bulk.
- Can I use sand to level my lawn?
- Pure sand is not recommended for leveling lawns — it can cause drainage problems and harm grass roots. Use a topdressing mix of sand and compost (50/50) for lawn leveling instead.