Sand Calculator
Enter your area and depth to get sand in cubic yards and tons for paver bedding, leveling or a play area.
Enter your measurements to see what to buy.
How to calculate it
Enter your area and depth to get sand in cubic yards and tons for paver bedding, leveling or a play area.
Source: Volume in cubic yards × density. Dry sand averages ~1.35 tons/yd³; wet sand ~1.5; paver sand ~1.4.
A 10×12 ft paver base at 1 in deep = 10 ft³ = 0.37 yd³. With 10% waste: 0.41 yd³ × 1.4 = 0.57 tons.
Want the full step-by-step walkthrough? Read our How Much Gravel Do I Need for a Driveway?.
Purchasing & waste guidance
- Use 1 in of bedding sand under pavers over a compacted gravel base.
- Leveling a lawn: about 1/4–1/2 in of topdressing sand.
- Playground sand: 9–12 in depth for safety under play equipment.
- Dry sand runs about 1.35 tons/yd³; wet sand is heavier at ~1.5 tons/yd³.
Assumptions & what’s included
- Area is a single rectangle with uniform depth.
- Density defaults to 1.4 tons per cubic yard (typical paver/bedding sand).
- Waste allowance covers spillage and uneven spreading. Price is per ton and optional.
Frequently asked questions
How much sand do I need under pavers?
A 1 in bedding layer over a compacted gravel base is standard. A 10×12 ft patio at 1 in needs about 0.4 cubic yards, or roughly 0.6 tons of sand with a 10% allowance.
How much does a cubic yard of sand weigh?
Dry sand weighs about 1.35 tons (2,700 lb) per cubic yard. Wet sand is closer to 1.5 tons. Confirm with your supplier — moisture changes the weight significantly.
How deep should playground sand be?
Plan on 9–12 in of clean playground sand under play equipment for impact safety. Use the calculator with your play area size and target depth.
Related guides
Step-by-step project guides that use this calculator.