Landscaping

Sand Calculator: Cubic Yards, Tons & Depth

Convert a measured rectangular area and layer depth into cubic yards and density-based tons while keeping the selected density visible.

Maintained by Home Measure Lab Editorial TeamUpdated Method & corrections

Project measurements

Change the defaults to match your project and the product you plan to buy.

Project result

Your sand material plan

See measured area, layer volume, cubic yards, density-based weight and optional material budget.

Planning estimate only. Verify product coverage, package size, supplier specifications and project requirements before purchasing.

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Methodology

Formula & assumptions

Layer volume

length × width × depth

Depth converted to feet internally.

Extra volume

base volume × extra %

Planning allowance.

Bulk yards

planned ft³ ÷ 27

US volume reference.

Weight

cubic yards × density

Supplier density drives tons.

How to measure this project

Measure the finished footprint and use an average compacted or installed depth that matches the project specification. For sloped or variable-depth areas, split the project or use a conservative average only when appropriate. Sand density changes with material type and moisture, so record the source of the density value you enter.

Before you buy materials

Order units depend on the supplier: some sell sand by cubic yard, others by ton. Use the volume result for yard-based ordering and the density-based result for weight-based ordering. Compaction, moisture, delivery minimums and site loss are outside the simple geometry, so verify supplier recommendations before placing the order.

Reference

Sand reference

Planning itemStarting pointVerify / adjust
Area + depthL × W × DUse installed/compacted design depth.
DensitySupplier-specificMoisture and grading change weight.
Cubic yardsVolume ordering27 ft³ per yd³.
TonsVolume × densityUse only with a defensible density.

Questions

Frequently asked questions

How much does a cubic yard of sand weigh?

It varies. Use a supplier density rather than assuming one universal weight.

Should I use loose or compacted depth?

Use the depth required by the project specification and account for compaction or handling with an appropriate allowance.

Can I use this for paver bedding sand?

It can estimate quantity from area and depth, but paver-system specifications determine the correct layer and material type.

Next step

Keep this project moving

Follow the measurement into the most useful related reference, calculator or project view.

Planning guides

Understand the inputs behind this calculator

All guides →

Landscaping

Sand Depth, Volume and Density Guide

Plan sand quantity by separating installed depth, cubic volume and density-based weight for bedding, fill and landscape projects.

Read guide →