How much sand do I need?
Multiply the area by the depth for volume, then convert to weight with the sand’s density — the same supplier-unit problem as gravel: you measure by area, they sell by the ton or the cubic yard.
cubic yards = areaft² × (depthin ÷ 12) ÷ 27
tons = cubic yards × densitytons/yd³
bags = ft³ ÷ bag sizeft³
A 10×10 ft sandbox area at 4″ is 33.3 ft³ ≈ 1.23 yd³ — about 1.7 tons of dry sand, or 67 half-cubic-foot bags. The calculator shows yards, tons, tonnes, m³ and bags together, and sums as many rectangles, circles and triangles as your site needs.
How do I convert yards of sand to tons?
Multiply cubic yards by the density in tons per cubic yard. Most sand falls between 1.3 and 1.6 tons per cubic yard (roughly 100–120 lb/ft³): dry sand sits near the bottom of that range, damp or compacted sand near the top, because water in the voids adds weight without adding volume. So a yard of dry sand is about 2,700 lb, while the same yard delivered damp can push 3,200 lb. One ton is roughly 0.6–0.75 yd³ depending on moisture. The presets below load a representative figure you can edit to your supplier’s number.
Sand density by type
These are typical planning figures — actual densities vary with moisture and grading, so treat them as starting points and confirm with your supplier.
| Sand type | Typical density (tons/yd³) | Common use |
|---|---|---|
| Dry sand | 1.35 | General fill, dry climates |
| Damp / delivered sand | 1.55 | Bulk loads as they arrive |
| Masonry / mortar sand | 1.49 | Mortar, stucco, render |
| Fill sand | 1.50 | Compacted fill, trenches |
| Paver bedding sand | 1.40 | 1″ screeded bed under pavers |
| Washed concrete sand | 1.45 | Concrete mixes, bedding |
| Play sand | 1.35 | Sandboxes, washed & screened |
Masonry sand for mortar, stucco and render
Masonry (mortar) sand is finer and cleaner than fill sand, which is why it’s the one specified for mortar and stucco. If you’re field-mixing, the stucco calculator and brick & mortar calculator figure the sand and cement split at your ratio — use this page when you just need the bulk sand quantity in tons or yards for the order.
Irregular areas, depth and waste
Add as many shapes as the site needs — rectangles, circles and triangles sum into one total, so a path plus a sandbox plus a paver bed is three quick entries. Typical depths: 1″ screeded bedding under pavers, 2–4″ for fill layers and play areas. Add ~10% waste for screeding loss and settling.