Sand Calculator

How to Calculate Sand Needed?

Multiply the area length by width in feet for square footage. Multiply by the depth in feet. Divide by 27 for cubic yards. Multiply cubic yards by the sand density for weight. A paver sand bed 20 x 15 feet at 1 inch deep: 20 x 15 x 0.083 = 24.9 cubic feet = 0.92 cubic yards. Construction sand at 2,700 lbs/yd3 gives 0.92 x 2,700 = 2,484 lbs or 1.24 tons. The calculator above handles these conversions for construction sand, play sand, masonry sand, and fill sand with an optional cost estimate.

What Types of Sand Are Used in Construction?

Construction sand (also called concrete sand or coarse sand) has sharp, angular grains and is used as an aggregate in concrete and mortar mixes. It weighs approximately 2,700 lbs per cubic yard. Masonry sand (also called brick sand or plastering sand) has finer, more uniform grains and is used in mortar, stucco, and as a paver bedding layer. It weighs about 2,600 lbs. Play sand is washed, screened, and rounded for safety in children sandboxes. It weighs about 2,500 lbs. Fill sand is unprocessed and may contain clay, silt, and small stones. It is used for backfill and grading at about 2,800 lbs per cubic yard.

How Deep Should Sand Be for Different Applications?

Paver bedding: 1 inch of masonry sand screeded flat over a compacted gravel base. Sandbox: 12-18 inches of play sand for adequate digging and play depth. Mortar and concrete mix: measured by proportion, not by depth. Leveling pad under pavers or flagstone: 1-2 inches of coarse sand. Pool base: 2-3 inches of masonry sand as a cushion beneath a vinyl pool liner. Volleyball court: 12 inches of play or beach sand. Sand bedding for underground pipe: 4 inches below and 4 inches above the pipe, using washed sand free of sharp stones that could damage the pipe wall.

How Much Does Sand Cost?

Bulk sand costs $25-$50 per ton or $30-$60 per cubic yard delivered from a landscape supply yard. Masonry sand is slightly more expensive than fill sand due to the screening and washing process. Play sand at retail stores costs $4-$6 per 50-pound bag, which works out to approximately $160-$240 per ton. For projects needing more than 0.5 tons, bulk delivery is significantly more economical. Delivery charges run $50-$150 per truckload depending on distance and quantity. A standard dump truck carries 10-15 tons of sand per load.

Sand for Concrete and Mortar Mixes

Concrete uses coarse, angular construction sand as the fine aggregate component. The standard concrete mix ratio (1:2:4) calls for two parts sand per one part cement. For one cubic yard of concrete, you need approximately 0.44 cubic yards (1,190 lbs) of sand. Mortar uses finer masonry sand. The Type S mortar ratio (1:0.5:4.5) calls for 4.5 parts sand per one part cement. Sand quality directly affects concrete and mortar strength. Clean, well-graded sand (a mix of particle sizes) produces stronger results than poorly graded sand with uniform particles. Sand containing clay, silt, or organic material weakens the mix and should be avoided.

How to Store Sand on a Job Site?

Have the delivery dumped on a clean, hard surface like a driveway or plywood sheets to avoid mixing sand with soil. Cover the pile with a tarp if rain is expected, as saturated sand is much heavier and harder to work with. Keep sand piles away from storm drains and waterways, as runoff carrying sediment is an environmental violation on most construction sites. For extended storage, a contained bin or bay with sides prevents the sand from spreading across the work area. Use sand within a few weeks of delivery for best results, especially masonry sand that may develop organic growth if stored wet for long periods.

How Many Wheelbarrow Loads Per Ton of Sand?

A standard contractor wheelbarrow holds about 6 cubic feet. Sand weighs approximately 100 lbs per cubic foot, so a full wheelbarrow of sand weighs roughly 600 lbs. One ton (2,000 lbs) requires about 3.3 full wheelbarrow loads. One cubic yard (approximately 2,700 lbs) takes 4.5 loads. These are heavy loads that require good path conditions and a strong wheelbarrow with an inflated tire. For moving large quantities of sand, a front-end loader or skid steer saves hours of labor and reduces the physical strain that comes with repeated heavy wheelbarrow trips.

Sand vs Gravel: When to Use Each?

Sand fills gaps and creates smooth, level bedding surfaces. Use sand as a paver bedding layer, pipe bedding, concrete aggregate, and mortar ingredient. Gravel provides structural support, drainage, and weight. Use gravel as a road and driveway base, French drain fill, retaining wall backfill, and concrete subbase. For most construction projects, both materials work together: gravel forms the structural base, and sand provides the finish leveling layer on top. A paver patio uses 4-6 inches of compacted gravel base topped by 1 inch of screeded sand. Using sand alone as a structural base leads to shifting and settling because sand lacks the interlocking angular particle structure that makes gravel stable under load.

Frequently asked questions