Sand Calculator
Calculate the amount of sand needed for your project based on area and depth. Get instant results and helpful insights for your construction, landscaping, or playground planning.
How to Use This Calculator
Enter Dimensions
- •Measure length and width of your project area
- •Determine required depth based on project type
- •Input all measurements in the same unit system
Select Unit System
- •Choose Imperial (feet, inches) for US projects
- •Choose Metric (meters, cm) for international projects
- •Calculator automatically converts between systems
View Results
- •See calculated area in square feet/meters
- •View volume in cubic feet/meters
- •Get sand needed in tons/tonnes
Check Bonus Insights
- •See estimated truckloads required
- •View approximate material costs
- •Download results for your records
Sand Calculator Guide
Understanding Sand Measurements
Sand is typically measured by weight (tons or tonnes) or volume (cubic yards or cubic meters). This calculator converts your project dimensions into both volume and weight of sand needed.
Key Factors:
- ⚖️Density
Dry sand typically weighs about 100 pounds per cubic foot (1,600 kg/m³).
- 💧Moisture Content
Wet sand is heavier than dry sand, which can affect weight calculations.
- 📏Depth
Proper depth is crucial for different applications (paver base, playground, etc.).
- 🚚Compaction
Sand will compact over time, so consider adding extra material.
Recommended Sand Depths
| Application | Recommended Depth | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Paver Base | 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) | Use coarse sand mixed with gravel |
| Paver Joints | 1/4-1/2 inch (0.6-1.3 cm) | Use polymeric or fine sand |
| Playground | 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) | For safety, use play sand |
| Sandbox | 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) | Use clean, washed play sand |
| Concrete Mix | N/A | Typically 3 parts sand to 1 part cement |
Sand Types and Applications
Additional Considerations
- Waste Factor:
Consider adding 5-10% extra material to account for waste, spillage, and settling.
- Delivery Options:
Sand can be delivered in bulk (loose) or in bags (typically 50 lbs or 0.5 cubic feet per bag).
- Compaction:
Sand will compact by about 20-30% over time, especially in high-traffic areas.
- Drainage:
For proper drainage, consider using a base layer of gravel beneath the sand in outdoor applications.
How Much Does 1 Ton of Sand Cover?
Frequently Asked Questions
Sand typically costs between $25-$40 per ton for bulk delivery, depending on your location, sand type, and quantity ordered. Bagged sand is more expensive, typically $3-$5 per 50 lb bag (about $120-$200 per ton).
A ton of sand typically covers about 120 square feet at a 2-inch depth, 60 square feet at a 4-inch depth, or 40 square feet at a 6-inch depth. Coverage will vary slightly depending on the type and moisture content of the sand.
Dry sand typically has a density of about 100 pounds per cubic foot (1,600 kg/m³). Wet sand is heavier, with a density of about 120 pounds per cubic foot (1,920 kg/m³). This calculator uses the dry sand density for calculations.
This calculator provides a good estimate for planning purposes, but actual sand needs may vary based on site conditions, compaction rates, and waste factors. We recommend adding 5-10% extra for waste and settling.
The type of sand depends on your project: Concrete sand (coarse) for paver bases and concrete mixing, Mason sand (fine) for mortar and pool applications, Play sand (washed, fine) for playgrounds and sandboxes, and Polymeric sand for paver joints.
Need help estimating larger projects?
Our team of experts can provide personalized assistance for complex construction projects.
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