ConstructionInstant Tool
Sand Calculator
Calculate cubic yards, tons, and bags of sand for pavers, slabs, and masonry
Sand Estimator
Calculate cubic yards, tons, and 50 lb bags needed for paver base and masonry
How Sand Calculator Works
Cubic Yards = Length × Width × Depth in Feet / 27 × 1 + Waste Factor; Tons = Cubic Yards × Sand DensityDetermines the total sand required for paving base beds, leveling layers, and mortar by calculating cubic yardage and multiplying by bulk sand density.
Example Calculation
15 by 10 Foot Paver Sand Base at 2 Inch Depth
A homeowner prepares a 15 foot by 10 foot patio bedding layer with 2 inches of concrete bedding sand and 10 percent compaction margin.
- Area equals 15 multiplied by 10 which equals 150 square feet
- Depth in feet equals 2 divided by 12 which equals 0.167 feet
- Volume in cubic feet equals 150 multiplied by 0.167 which equals 25 cubic feet
- Net cubic yards equals 25 divided by 27 which equals 0.926 cubic yards
- Adding 10 percent compaction equals 1.02 cubic yards total
- Weight equals 1.02 multiplied by 1.35 tons per yard which equals 1.38 tons
Result:1.02 Cubic Yards or 1.38 Tons
Sand Types Weight and Common Uses
| Sand Type | Density Tons per Yard | Pounds per Yard | Primary Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete Sand | 1.35 tons | 2700 lbs | Paver bedding base layer |
| Masonry Sand | 1.30 tons | 2600 lbs | Mortar and grout mix |
| Play Sand | 1.35 tons | 2700 lbs | Sandboxes and play areas |
| Wet Packed Sand | 1.45 tons | 2900 lbs | Compacted base fill |
| White Silica Sand | 1.25 tons | 2500 lbs | Pool liners and decorative turf |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a cubic yard of sand weigh?
A cubic yard of standard dry sand weighs approximately 2600 to 2700 pounds or roughly 1.3 to 1.35 tons. Damp sand can weigh up to 3000 pounds.
How deep should sand be under pavers?
Paver bedding sand should be exactly 1 inch deep. It should not exceed 1.5 inches to prevent paver settling and unevenness.
How many 50 lb bags of sand are in a cubic yard?
One cubic yard of sand weighs roughly 2700 pounds, requiring approximately 54 bags of 50-pound sand.
What type of sand is best for paving stones?
Coarse washed concrete sand also known as ASTM C33 sand is the recommended material for paver bedding because sharp granules lock together.
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