TCTopsoilCalc

Free landscape sand calculator

Sand Calculator

Estimate sand for paver bedding, sandboxes, paths or garden projects. Get cubic yards, cubic feet, tons and bags, or calculate coverage from a known amount.

  • Choose the task. Calculate the amount to order or the area a known amount will cover.
  • Pick the sand type. Bedding sand, masonry sand and play sand have different uses and densities.
  • Compare buying units. Use cubic yards, tons and bag volume when checking a supplier or store quote.

Calculate sand

Calculation task
Measurement system
Project shape

Use the depth specified for your project. Paver bedding, sandbox fill and general leveling use different depths.

Use the density on a supplier quote when available. Presets are planning estimates.

Sand needed
2.22 yd3
Cubic feet60.5
US tons3.00
Bags81

Includes 10% extra. Density is an estimate; confirm the supplier's delivered weight.

How the sand calculator works

The calculator finds the project volume, converts cubic feet to cubic yards and applies a material density to estimate US tons. Bag count uses the cubic-foot volume printed on the product.

Area sand = area x depth
Cubic yards = cubic feet / 27
Tons = cubic yards x tons per cubic yard
Bags = cubic feet / bag volume, rounded up

Choose the right sand

  • Paver bedding: use the coarse sand specified for the installation, often concrete or bedding sand.
  • Sandboxes: use washed play sand and follow the product guidance for depth and safety.
  • Polymeric jointing sand: bag coverage depends on paver size, joint width and the product label, so do not treat this general volume estimate as a final order.
  • Confirm delivery: sand moisture and supplier density can change the tonnage and truck minimum.

Continue planning your landscape project

Use the related tools when your project also includes soil, gravel, mulch, compost, raised beds or material cost.

Topsoil CalculatorEstimate topsoil cubic yards, bags and tons from area and depth. Gravel CalculatorEstimate landscape gravel cubic yards, tons, bags and coverage. Paver CalculatorEstimate paver count, base gravel and bedding sand. Mulch CalculatorEstimate mulch cubic yards, bags and coverage for landscape beds. Compost CalculatorEstimate compost volume for garden beds and raised bed blends. Soil Volume CalculatorCalculate total volume for beds, planters and soil areas. Tons to Cubic YardsConvert a supplier quote between weight and volume.

Sand calculator FAQ

How much sand do I need?

Multiply the area by the sand depth, convert the result to cubic yards, then use the material density to estimate tons. Add an allowance for compaction and waste when the project requires it.

How much sand do I need under pavers?

Enter the paved area and the bedding depth specified for your installation. Many projects use a thin bedding layer, but the correct material and compacted depth depend on the paver system and base design.

Can I use this for polymeric jointing sand?

This page can estimate a volume layer, but polymeric jointing sand is sold by product coverage. Use the manufacturer's coverage table because paver size, joint width, joint depth and installation conditions change the bag count.

How many bags of sand are in a cubic yard?

One cubic yard is 27 cubic feet. Divide 27 by the cubic-foot volume on the bag and round up; for example, a 0.75-cubic-foot bag requires 36 bags before any extra allowance.

Is this an aquarium sand calculator?

No. This page is for landscape and outdoor project materials such as paver bedding, sandboxes, paths and garden areas. Aquarium substrate needs a different product and depth workflow.