Sand Calculator
Calculate cubic yards of sand needed for paver bases, sandboxes, and fill
Enter Dimensions
Enter your dimensions above to see results
Tips & Notes
- •Paver base sand is typically laid 1"–2" deep.
- •Sandboxes typically need 6"–8" of depth.
- •Always compact and level sand base before laying pavers.
- •Mason sand is finer than concrete sand — use the right type for your project.
Recommended Products
Popular items for this project — links may earn a commission.
Materials & Supplies
Tools You'll Need
Pro tips for sand
- ›Paver base sand is typically laid 1"–2" deep.
- ›Sandboxes typically need 6"–8" of depth.
- ›Always compact and level sand base before laying pavers.
- ›Mason sand is finer than concrete sand — use the right type for your project.
Frequently asked questions
How much sand do I need under pavers?▾
A 1" bedding sand layer for a 100 sq ft patio needs 0.31 cubic yards (about 12 cubic feet) of coarse concrete sand. For 200 sq ft, double to 0.6 yards. Add polymeric sand separately for the joints once pavers are set.
Mason sand vs. concrete sand — which do I need?▾
Use coarse concrete sand (also called bedding sand) for under pavers, drainage, and mixing concrete. Use fine mason sand for mortar, brick joints, and sandboxes. They're not interchangeable — concrete sand under pavers is essential for proper drainage.
How much sand for a sandbox?▾
A 6'×6' sandbox at 6"–8" depth needs 0.6–0.9 cubic yards (about 12–18 bags of 50 lb play sand). For a typical 4'×4' sandbox, plan on 6–8 bags. Use washed play sand only — never construction sand.
How heavy is sand?▾
Dry sand weighs about 100 lbs per cubic foot (2,700 lbs per cubic yard). Wet sand can weigh 120 lbs per cubic foot. A 50 lb bag yields about 0.5 cubic feet — so it takes ~54 bags to equal 1 cubic yard.
How much does sand cost?▾
Bulk sand runs $20–$50/cubic yard delivered ($10–$25/ton). 50 lb bags cost $4–$8 at retail. For projects over 0.5 cubic yards, bulk delivery saves significantly — even with the $50–$150 delivery fee.