Sand Calculator
Sand is quoted by the ton but measured by volume. This sand calculator converts your area and depth into cubic yards, tons, and 50 lb bags for the type of sand you need, and estimates the bulk cost — so you can compare a supplier quote against the bags at the store.
What you'll need
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Aqua Joe Premium Pool & Spa Filter Sand, 50 Lb Bag, FLTSAND50
$32.97
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BlumeTrec 8"x8" Steel Tamper with 48" Handle, Heavy Duty Hand Compactor Tool for Leveling Soil, Gravel, Sand, Asphalt, Ground, Paver, Driveway, Garden, Yard and Blacktop Repair
$43.99
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TICONN 4.80/4.00-8 Tire, 14.5" Flat Free Wheelbarrow Tire and Wheel
$34.95
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Palmetto Pool Filter Sand for Swimming Pools, 50 Lbs, Natural Silica
$29.99
View on Amazon →Prices as of Sep 25, 2026, 6:18 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Get the Gravel & Stone Calculator app for Android
Estimate gravel, stone, sand, and mulch on the job site, save projects, and share quantities with your supplier.
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Frequently asked questions
- How much does a cubic yard of sand weigh?
- Dry sand weighs about 2,600 to 2,800 pounds per cubic yard, or 1.3 to 1.4 tons. Wet sand can reach 3,000 pounds. For ordering, use 1.35 tons per cubic yard unless your supplier quotes a different figure for their material.
- How many 50 lb bags of sand are in a yard?
- About 54 bags. A 50 lb bag holds roughly half a cubic foot, and a cubic yard is 27 cubic feet. That is why bagged sand stops making sense above about half a yard.
- What kind of sand goes under pavers?
- Coarse washed concrete sand — ASTM C33 — screeded to one inch. Do not use mason sand or play sand as a bedding course; the fine rounded grains hold water and let pavers shift. Joints are filled separately with polymeric or fine joint sand.
- How much area does a ton of sand cover?
- A ton of sand is about 0.74 cubic yards, which covers roughly 240 square feet at 1 inch deep, 120 square feet at 2 inches, or 80 square feet at 3 inches.
- How much does sand cost?
- Fill sand costs $15 to $32 per ton, concrete and mason sand $25 to $55 per ton, and bagged play sand $5 to $9 per 50 lb bag. Delivery adds $50 to $150 per load depending on distance.
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