DIY CalculatorFor a round pool base or sandbox, switch to the circle shape and enter the diameter.
How much sand do you need?
- Paver bedding sand: 1 inch, screeded flat.
- Under an above-ground pool: about 2 inches.
- Sandboxes: 6–12 inches, depending on the box height.
- Joint (polymeric) sand is sold by the bag and covers far less — check the bag.
How much sand for common areas (cubic yards / tons, no extra added)
| Area | 1 in deep | 2 in deep | 6 in deep | 12 in deep |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 sq ft | 0.31 yd³ / 0.42 t | 0.62 yd³ / 0.83 t | 1.85 yd³ / 2.5 t | 3.7 yd³ / 5 t |
| 200 sq ft | 0.62 yd³ / 0.83 t | 1.23 yd³ / 1.67 t | 3.7 yd³ / 5 t | 7.41 yd³ / 10 t |
| 500 sq ft | 1.54 yd³ / 2.08 t | 3.09 yd³ / 4.17 t | 9.26 yd³ / 12.5 t | 18.52 yd³ / 25 t |
| 1,000 sq ft | 3.09 yd³ / 4.17 t | 6.17 yd³ / 8.33 t | 18.52 yd³ / 25 t | 37.04 yd³ / 50 t |
Tons assume 2,700 lb per cubic yard. Add extra for waste and settling when you order.
How to use this calculator
- Measure the length and width (or the diameter of a round area). Use any unit — feet, inches, yards or meters.
- Split odd shapes into rectangles, circles and triangles, and add each one with “Add another area”.
- Enter the depth. Results update as you type: cubic yards, tons and bags.
- Optionally enter a price to estimate the cost.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a cubic yard of sand weigh?
Dry sand weighs about 2,600–3,000 lb per cubic yard (around 1.35 tons); wet sand can be over 3,000 lb.
How many 50 lb bags of sand are in a yard?
About 54 bags, since a 50 lb bag holds roughly half a cubic foot and a cubic yard is 27 cubic feet.
Is it cheaper to buy bags or bulk?
For anything over about 1 cubic yard, bulk delivery is usually cheaper per cubic yard than bags, though you pay a delivery fee. Bags make sense for small jobs, top-ups and places a truck can’t reach.