Sand Calculator
By Concrete Knowhow Editorial Team · Updated July 2026 · 7 min read
Quick Answer
Sand Type
Length
Width
Depth
Overage
Extra for spillage and uneven surfaces. A little leftover is better than running short.
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 |
Sand Types and What Each One Is For
Sand products are graded by particle size and cleanliness, and they are not interchangeable. Using the wrong sand under pavers or in a sandbox causes real problems, so match the product to the job before ordering.
| Type | Grain | Use It For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete sand (coarse) | Coarse, angular | Paver bedding, concrete mixing, drainage | The correct choice under pavers |
| Masonry sand | Fine, screened | Mortar, stucco, joint filling | Cleaner and finer than concrete sand |
| Play sand | Very fine, rounded, washed | Sandboxes, play areas | Too fine for structural bedding |
| Polymeric sand | Fine, with binder | Filling paver joints only | Hardens when misted; never use as bedding |
| Fill sand | Mixed, may contain silt | Sub-base fill, trench backfill | Cheapest option; not for finish work |
How the Sand Math Works
Length times width times depth in feet gives cubic feet; divide by 27 for cubic yards. To estimate weight, multiply cubic yards by the density of your sand: about 1.35 tons per cubic yard dry, up to roughly 1.68 tons per cubic yard wet or packed. Moisture matters more for sand than for most materials, which is why supplier quotes by the ton can vary from your volume estimate.
Worked example. A 12 ft by 14 ft paver patio needs a 1 inch bedding layer: 12 times 14 times 0.083 equals 14 cubic feet, or 0.52 cubic yards, roughly 0.7 tons of concrete sand. Suppliers often have half-yard minimums, so this order is exactly one half-yard scoop plus a couple of bags for screeding low spots.
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, so 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, making it 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, which is significantly more expensive per cubic yard than bulk.
- Can I use sand to level my lawn?
- Pure sand is not recommended for leveling lawns because it can cause drainage problems and harm grass roots. Use a topdressing mix of sand and compost (50/50) for lawn leveling instead.