Landscape & Groundwork
Sand Calculator
Find the cubic yards, tons and material cost for your sand project.
Enter your measurements
Results update as you type.
About this calculator
Enter an area and depth or length × width × depth to get sand volume. The editable dry-sand supplier example gives an initial weight estimate; use the actual supplier density or clear it for volume only. Bag counts require a compatible bag volume or mass basis.
How to use this calculator
- Measure the area and the depth of sand.
- Add an allowance if you want extra material.
- Enter the supplier's density or bag volume to see weight or bag count.
- Calculate and compare net versus order volume.
Formula
Net volume = area × depth
Order volume = net volume × (1 + allowance ÷ 100)
Bags = ⌈order volume ÷ bag volume⌉; weight = order volume × supplier density
Assumptions
- Allowance is additional order volume applied once, not a compaction model.
- Sand density varies with moisture and grading; the editable value shown in the form is used.
- Bag counts round up to whole bags.
- The editable density is a named supplier example. Grading, moisture and compaction can change the weight.
Volume reference: 100 ft²
| Depth | Volume before allowance |
|---|---|
| 1 in | 0.309 yd³ |
| 2 in | 0.617 yd³ |
| 4 in | 1.235 yd³ |
Geometric volume only. This is not a recommended installation depth.
Common mistakes
- Mixing depth in inches with area in square feet before converting units.
- Using a loose or dry supplier density for a different compacted or wet material.
- Applying extra order volume twice, or treating it as a compaction model.
Worked example
Try it: press “Load example” above the form.
5 m × 4 m at 5 cm deep is exactly 1 m³ of sand.
Limitations
Quantities are geometric planning estimates. Confirm the material, dry/loose or compacted basis, delivery minimum and density with your own supplier. The allowance is extra volume, not a compaction model.
Frequently asked questions
Why can two sand loads have different weights?
Moisture, grain grading and packing change bulk density. The dry-sand reference is only an example. Match the weight-per-volume basis to the supplier and the volume you are ordering.
Can I buy sand in bags?
Enter the usable volume printed on the bag to calculate whole bags. If the package states mass only, obtain a compatible volume or bulk-density conversion from the supplier first. This form does not accept a bag-mass input.
What does the worked example show?
5 m × 4 m at 5 cm deep is exactly 1 m³ of sand.
Which assumptions should I check before using the result?
Quantities are geometric planning estimates. Confirm the material, dry/loose or compacted basis, delivery minimum and density with your own supplier. The allowance is extra volume, not a compaction model.
Sources
Sources explain the methods and any named product presets. Check your product label where coverage, yield or density differs.
- Inch Calculator: Gravel
- NIST: Revised Unit Conversion Factors
- QUIKRETE: Product Calculators
- Triangle Landscape Supplies: dry bulk weights
Named supplier examples: rock 2,800 lb/yd³, sand 2,500 lb/yd³, soil 2,000–2,600 lb/yd³. These do not specify every material. Checked 8 November 2026.
Calculation documentation · Updated 2026-11-11 · Version 1.6.4. Estimates are planning aids. Confirm quantities, coverage and prices with your supplier before purchasing. Found an error? Report it.
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