This calculator converts an area and depth into sand volume, estimated bulk weight, and a bag count for smaller jobs. Use it for paver bedding, a sandbox, a screed layer, or general fill once you know which grade of sand the job requires. It does not select the sand type, include compacted gravel below it, calculate mortar proportions, or price excavation, delivery, spreading, and labour. US mode reports cubic yards and short tons, while UK mode uses cubic metres and tonnes; the bag result is only as accurate as the bag yield entered. Moisture and grading change bulk density, so take the calculated volume to your merchant or quarry and ask them to confirm the weight, bag coverage, and product suitability.
How this is calculated
Sand volume uses the same length × width × depth formula as gravel. The difference is density — dry sand runs lighter than compacted crushed stone, so the tonnage line uses a lower factor.
Bag counts are a rough equivalent for DIY runs to the hardware store. Bulk delivery by the ton is what most patio and driveway bases use once the area gets past a few square feet.
Keep bedding sand separate from the gravel sub-base in your takeoff. Mixing those two volumes into one 'base' number is how patio quotes hide a missing layer.
Wet sand weighs more and bulks differently in a truck. Treat the tonnage line as planning weight and confirm with your yard's product sheet when colour or moisture content matters.
Enter your dimensions below. Results update as you type. Costs are planning ranges — confirm with a local supplier before you order.
Sand bed area
ft
ft
in
Paver base: 1–2 in
Add cost details
$
Results
Sand volume
0.59 yd³
Estimated weight
0.8 tons
Dry sand, compacted
Bag equivalent
32 bags (0.5 ft³)
For small jobs only
Estimated material cost
$30 – $37
Frequently asked questions
How deep should paver sand be?
A screed layer under pavers is usually 1–2 inches (25–50 mm). The compacted gravel sub-base below that is separate — use the Gravel Calculator for that layer.
Washed sand or sharp sand?
Bedding under pavers is usually concrete sand or sharp sand that compacts flat. Play sand for sandboxes is finer and not suited to structural bases.
Why show tons and bags?
Suppliers deliver bulk sand by weight. Bags are for topping up a small area or a child's sandbox where a truck is not worth it.
Does this include compaction?
No. Compacting sand reduces finished depth by roughly 10–15%. Order slightly more if you will screed and compact in layers.
Can I use this for mortar mix?
It gives you bulk sand volume. Mortar mix ratios are a different calculation — this tool is for bedding and fill quantity only.
US and UK units?
Toggle feet/inches or metres/centimetres at the top. Cost currency follows the unit system you pick.
Is polymeric joint sand the same?
No. Joint sand for locking pavers is a separate bagged product. This calculator is for the bedding layer under the pavers.
Sandbox depth?
Children's sandboxes often use 6–12 inches of play sand. Enter that depth here, but buy play sand — not sharp bedding sand.
Last updated 2026-09-01. Formulas are planning methods — confirm with a supplier before you order. See how we calculate and the disclaimer.