Sand Calculator
Estimate sand for a rectangular, circular or measured area. Calculate compacted volume, order allowance, approximate weight, short tons or metric tonnes, whole bags and cost.
Sand calculator formulas
Rectangular area = length × width
Circular area = π × (diameter ÷ 2)²
Base volume = area × compacted depth
Order volume = base volume × (1 + allowance ÷ 100)
Weight = order volume × bulk density
Bags = ceil(weight ÷ bag weight)
For US inputs, depth is converted from inches to feet and volume is also reported in cubic yards. Weight is divided by 2,000 for short tons. For metric inputs, depth is converted from centimeters to meters and weight is divided by 1,000 for metric tonnes.
Worked examples
| Area and depth | Density / allowance | Calculated order |
|---|---|---|
| 20 ft × 10 ft × 2 in | 100 lb/ft³, 10%, 50 lb bags | 36.667 ft³; 1.358 yd³; 1.833 short tons; 74 bags |
| 12 ft × 12 ft × 1 in | 100 lb/ft³, 5%, 50 lb bags | 12.6 ft³; 0.467 yd³; 0.63 short tons; 26 bags |
| 15 ft diameter × 3 in | 100 lb/ft³, 10%, 50 lb bags | 48.597 ft³; 1.8 yd³; 2.43 short tons; 98 bags |
| 10 m × 5 m × 5 cm | 1,600 kg/m³, 10%, 20 kg bags | 2.75 m³; 4.4 metric tonnes; 220 bags |
| 6 m diameter × 8 cm | 1,600 kg/m³, 5%, 25 kg bags | 2.375 m³; 3.8 metric tonnes; 153 bags |
| 120 m² measured area × 3 cm | 1,500 kg/m³, 8%, 25 kg bags | 3.888 m³; 5.832 metric tonnes; 234 bags |
How to estimate sand
- Choose a rectangular, circular or directly measured surface area.
- Enter the finished compacted depth using consistent units.
- Use an allowance appropriate for compaction, settlement and handling.
- Replace the illustrative density with the supplier’s stated bulk density for the selected sand.
- Enter the bag weight and current bag or bulk price.
- Compare whole-bag and bulk estimates, then confirm delivery restrictions.
Important limitations
- The calculator estimates a uniform layer and does not model slopes, trenches, irregular depth or settlement over time.
- Density varies by sand type, grading, moisture, compaction and supplier; the default is not a product specification.
- The allowance is applied to volume before weight and bag calculations.
- Bag quantity is based on weight and rounded upward; bags may state yield instead, which should be checked separately.
- Bulk cost excludes minimum loads, delivery, spreading, tax and equipment.
- Polymeric jointing sand coverage depends on paver dimensions, joint width, joint depth and the manufacturer’s tested coverage. Use the selected product label rather than this bulk-layer estimate.
- Concrete and mortar mix proportions require a dedicated mix design and are not calculated here.
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Frequently asked questions
How many cubic yards of sand do I need?
For US inputs, the calculator multiplies area by depth, adds the selected allowance and divides cubic feet by 27 to report cubic yards.
How many bags of sand do I need?
It estimates total weight from the entered density, divides by the bag weight and rounds upward to a whole bag.
Can I calculate sand for a circular pool base?
Yes. Select Circle and enter the base diameter and compacted sand depth. Confirm the pool manufacturer’s base requirements.
Can I use this for paver bedding sand?
Yes for a uniform bedding layer when you know the compacted depth. Use Paver Calculator separately for paver quantities.
Does it calculate polymeric joint sand?
No. Joint-sand coverage depends on the actual paver and joint geometry and should follow the product manufacturer’s coverage table.
Why must I enter sand density?
Volume-to-weight conversion changes with sand type, moisture and compaction. A supplier-specific density produces a more useful tonnage estimate.