Sand Calculator
Calculate cubic yards, cubic feet, and tons of sand needed for a sandbox, patio base, pool fill, or landscaping project. Covers play sand, concrete sand, masonry sand, and fill sand.
Formula & Reference
| Variable | Formula | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Sand Calculator | Volume = Length x Width x Depth / 27 (cubic yards) | cubic yards + tons |
Step-by-Step Examples
8x8 ft sandbox, 6 inches deep, play sand, $40/ton.
- Volume = 8x8x(6/12)/27 = 1.19 cu yds
- Tons = 1.19 x 1.4 = 1.67 tons
- Cost = 1.67 x $40 = $66.67
12x16 ft patio, 4-inch sand base.
- Volume = 12x16x(4/12)/27 = 2.37 cu yds
- Tons = 2.37 x 1.4 = 3.32 tons
- Compacted sand base under concrete pavers
Around pool, 20x30 ft area, 12-inch depth.
- Volume = 20x30x1/27 = 22.2 cu yds
- Tons = 22.2 x 1.5 = 33.3 tons (fill sand)
- Order extra for settling after rain
Real-World Applications
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Loose sand compacts when wetted and tamped. Order 10-15% extra to account for compaction settling, especially for patio bases.
The most common mistake. If you need 4 inches of sand, convert to feet first (4/12 = 0.333 ft) before multiplying length x width.
Play sand (fine-washed) is for sandboxes. Concrete sand (coarse) is for under pavers and concrete mixes. Mason sand (fine) is for mortar. Don't substitute - grain size matters for each application.