Sand Calculator
A 10x12 ft paver patio with a 1-inch sand base requires 0.37 cubic yards (0.54 tons) of sand. That's roughly 10 bags of 50-lb sand at a cost of $4-$6 each, or about $15 for bulk sand at $40/yd.
Sand Calculator
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How to Calculate Sand
Sand calculations are straightforward: multiply length x width x depth to get cubic feet, then convert to your preferred unit. The key variable is sand density, which affects weight-based purchases.
| Sand Type | Density (lbs/cu ft) | Weight per Cubic Yard | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mason sand | 100 | 2,700 lbs | Paver joints, mortar |
| Play sand | 90 | 2,430 lbs | Sandboxes, playgrounds |
| Fill sand | 110 | 2,970 lbs | Backfill, grading |
| Sharp/concrete sand | 105 | 2,835 lbs | Concrete mix, drainage |
| Paver base sand | 100 | 2,700 lbs | Leveling bed for pavers |
| Project | Recommended Depth | Sand Type |
|---|---|---|
| Paver base | 1 in | Concrete/coarse sand |
| Paver joints | Sweep to fill | Polymeric sand |
| Sandbox | 12-18 in | Play sand |
| Concrete mix | N/A (ratio) | Sharp sand |
| Leveling bed | 1-2 in | Mason sand |
| Under above-ground pool | 2-3 in | Mason sand |
Tips
- Sand compacts 10-15% so order extra accordingly
- One ton of sand covers about 100 sq ft at 2 inches deep
- For paver projects, use coarse concrete sand for the base and polymeric sand for joints
- A standard 50-lb bag of sand covers about 3 sq ft at 1 inch deep
- Bulk sand is dramatically cheaper than bags for any project over 0.5 cubic yards
Frequently Asked Questions
How much sand do I need for a paver patio?
For a 1-inch sand base under pavers, you need 0.003 cubic yards per square foot. A 200 sq ft patio requires 0.62 cubic yards (about 0.84 tons). You'll also need polymeric sand for joints, roughly 1 bag per 30-60 sq ft.
How much does a cubic yard of sand weigh?
One cubic yard of dry sand weighs 2,400-2,900 pounds depending on sand type. Mason and paver sand average 2,700 lbs/yd. Wet sand can weigh 20-30% more due to water content.
How many bags of sand are in a cubic yard?
One cubic yard requires about 54 bags of 50-lb sand or 27 bags of 100-lb sand. At $4-$6 per 50-lb bag, a cubic yard in bags costs $216-$324 vs $25-$50 for bulk delivery.
How much sand do I need for a sandbox?
For a 6x6 ft sandbox filled 12 inches deep, you need 1 cubic yard (about 1.35 tons) of play sand. That's approximately 27 bags of 50-lb play sand, costing $100-$135 in bags.
What type of sand should I use under pavers?
Use coarse concrete sand (also called bedding sand) for the 1-inch base layer under pavers. For filling joints between pavers, use polymeric sand which hardens when wet to prevent weed growth and insect intrusion.
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