Landscaping
Sand Calculator
Calculate how much sand you need for paver bases, sandboxes, drainage, or mortar. Enter your area and depth.
Inputs
Live estimate
Material needed
1.95 cu yd
- Area
- 500 sq ft
- Cubic feet
- 41.67
- Cubic yards
- 1.54
- Estimated tons
- 2.64
- Estimated truckloads
- 0.16
- Material cost
- $78
- Total cost
- $78
Diagram
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How it's calculated
Area is derived from your shape inputs and converted to sq ft.
Depth is converted to feet; cubic feet = area × depth.
Cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27, then × (1 + waste %) × (1 + compaction %).
Estimated tons = cubic yards (with waste) × 1.35.
Truckloads = cubic yards (with waste) ÷ truck capacity.
Total cost = cubic yards (with waste) × price per cubic yard + delivery.
Professional guidance
When to use sand
Paver leveling course, sandbox fill, mortar mixes, concrete aggregate, and drainage layers.
Recommended depth
Paver bases use 1 inch; sandboxes 6–12 inches; drainage layers 2–3 inches.
Common mistakes
Using play sand under pavers — it's too fine and shifts. Use ASTM C-33 coarse concrete sand instead.
Buying advice
Bulk is much cheaper than bagged for volumes over 1 cubic yard. Confirm whether it's washed and its intended use.
Material assumptions
- Sand density: about 1.35 tons per cubic yard.
- Paver base: 1 inch of coarse sand over compacted road base.
- Sandbox depth: 6–12 inches of clean play sand.
Frequently asked questions
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Related calculators
These results are estimates only. Confirm quantities, compaction, waste, and delivery requirements with your supplier or project professional before ordering materials.