Sand Calculator
Estimate sand volume, tons, bags and quoted cost for a measured area and depth.
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Save a plan file, load one later, or create a link with your current inputs. Shared links include your ZIP and quote reference if entered. Keep private information out of those fields.
Order sand by specification
Concrete, masonry, play and bedding sands are not automatically interchangeable. Match the material to the manufacturer’s or project designer’s requirement. This area calculator does not calculate mortar or concrete mix proportions.
Account for moisture and supply units
Sand bulk density depends on grading, moisture and placement. The 1.35 US tons/yd³ default is a planning assumption. If the supplier quotes by cubic yard, select that price basis instead of converting its price with an assumed density.
Sand-layer example
A 10 × 10-foot area at an example 2-inch depth contains 0.62 yd³. With 10% extra and assumed density of 1.35 US tons/yd³, the estimate is about 0.92 US tons. Use an application-specific depth.
Sources and methodology
Our volume and weight formulas are documented in the calculation methodology. Material densities are editable planning assumptions, not measured product specifications. For road selection and drainage principles, see Penn State Extension. For sand product distinctions, see QUIKRETE Mason Sand and All-Purpose Sand. Follow local and manufacturer specifications.
For pavers, use the bedding or jointing material specified for the actual system; this may differ from general-purpose sand.
Measure twice.
Order once.
For a rectangle, multiply length × width × depth with all dimensions in feet. Divide cubic feet by 27 to get cubic yards. For a circle, area is π × radius².
Order volume = measured volume × (1 + extra percentage ÷ 100). Weight = order volume in cubic yards × density in US tons per cubic yard. One US short ton is 2,000 pounds; it is different from a metric tonne.
A calculator for the job.
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How much does one cubic yard of gravel weigh?
There is no single weight for every gravel product. This calculator starts at 1.4 US tons per cubic yard for crushed gravel as a planning assumption. Ask your supplier for the actual bulk density, then change the density field.
Does this account for compaction?
The extra percentage is an ordering allowance, not an engineered compaction factor. If your depth describes the finished compacted layer, ask the supplier or contractor how much loose material is required to achieve it.
How do I measure an irregular area?
Break it into rectangles and circles and calculate each section separately. Avoid counting overlapping sections twice. For varying depths, take several measurements and use a representative average, or calculate each depth zone separately.