Landscaping · Material planning

Sand Calculator

Calculate sand volume for a measured area in cubic yards or cubic meters. Estimate bags and optional weight using product-specific information.

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Your project

US & metric

Example values are filled in. Replace them with your measurements.

ft
ft
sq ft

Add other measured sections without counting overlaps twice.

sq ft
in
%

An editable purchasing margin, not a measured compaction rate.

cu ft

Use the labeled volume of the product you plan to buy.

lb / cu yd

Optional. Enter the density of this product to estimate weight.

$
$ / cu yd
$

Enter 0 if included. Bulk cost remains blank until delivery is specified.

Enter your measurements

The calculation

Volume = net area × depth × (1 + extra ÷ 100). Weight = volume × supplier density.

  • Enter your supplier’s bulk density to show weight. Volume alone cannot determine tons.
  • 10% extra is included once. Confirm supplier minimums and delivery increments.

Saved on this device

Only estimates you choose to save are stored here.

    Measure with a little context

    How to use this sand calculator

    Choose the sand for the job before buying. Play sand, concrete sand and masonry sand have different grading and intended uses.

    Moisture changes delivered weight. A density from the actual supplier is more useful than treating every sand as the same material.

    Volume = net area × depth × (1 + extra ÷ 100). Weight = volume × supplier density.

    A worked example

    With the example values shown below, the calculated result is 0.652 cu yd. These are demonstration inputs, not installation specifications.

    View the example measurements
    • Length / circle diameter: 12 ft
    • Width: 8 ft
    • Material depth: 2 in
    • Extra allowance: 10 %
    • Volume per bag: 0.5 cu ft

    From estimate to order

    Whole packages and pieces round up; measured lengths, areas and volumes keep full precision during calculation. Match the product dimensions and units to your quote, and check cuts, minimum orders and delivery before purchasing.

    Read our formulas, rounding rules and limitations →

    Sand planning questions

    Can I use this sand calculator for a sandbox?

    The geometry works for a rectangular or round sand area. Enter the internal dimensions and intended fill depth, then choose a sand suitable for the use. It estimates the volume to buy; it does not assess a product for play, filtration or construction.

    How do I calculate sand in tons?

    Use the density of the sand in the same moisture and delivery condition as your order. Cubic yards × supplier density in lb per cubic yard ÷ 2,000 gives short tons. In metric mode, cubic meters × kg per cubic meter gives kilograms.

    Calculation notes updated . Formulas, sources and limitations.