Sand Calculator: Quickly Estimate Volume, Weight, and Cost
If you want to know how much sand to order the Sand Calculator does the math in seconds. It turns your dimensions into volume then converts that volume to weight and cost with clean unit options and a density you can fine-tune to match your supplier.
How the Sand Calculator Works
The workflow stays simple. Enter length width and depth. Choose units that feel natural. The calculator converts everything to meters behind the scenes and finds the volume. Add a density if you want weight then add a price per volume or per weight to get the total cost.
Three input modes handle nearly every project:
- L × W × Depth for patios walkways slabs or rectangular beds.
- Area × Depth when you already know plan area from drawings.
- Known Volume for trucks bins or pre-measured heaps.
Formulas and Unit Conversions
Core equations
- Volume \(V = L \times W \times D\)
- Weight \(W = V \times \rho\) where \(\rho\) is density
- Total Cost from volume pricing: \(C = V \times P_v\)
- Total Cost from weight pricing: \(C = W \times P_w\)
Common unit conversions
| Quantity | To SI | Useful Equivalents |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 1 in = 0.0254 m • 1 ft = 0.3048 m • 1 yd = 0.9144 m | 1 cm = 0.01 m • 1 mm = 0.001 m |
| Area | 1 ft² = 0.092903 m² • 1 yd² = 0.836127 m² | 1 acre = 4046.8564 m² • 1 ha = 10,000 m² |
| Volume | 1 ft³ = 0.0283168 m³ • 1 yd³ = 0.764555 m³ | 1 m³ = 35.3147 ft³ • 1 m³ = 1.30795 yd³ |
| Mass | 1 lb = 0.45359237 kg • 1 US ton = 907.18474 kg | 1 metric ton = 1000 kg • 1 long ton = 1016.0469 kg |
Choosing the right depth
Depth drives volume. A small change swings totals fast. Mark out the area and run a string line or laser. Confirm high and low spots. If the base will be compacted allow for extra depth to maintain finished grade after compaction.
Step-by-Step Examples
Example 1 — Patio base
Suppose your slab measures 25 m by 20 m with a 10 cm bedding layer. Convert 10 cm to meters. That is 0.10 m. Multiply length times width times depth.
- Volume = 25 × 20 × 0.10 = 50 m³
- Using a density of 1600 kg/m³ the weight equals 50 × 1600 = 80,000 kg or ~80 t
- At a price of $10 per m³ the total cost equals 50 × 10 = $500
If you only have a price per ton set density to 1600 kg/m³ then let the calculator derive the price per m³ that matches your supplier. The result will stay consistent.
Example 2 — Sandbox refresh
You want to top up a 3 m by 2 m sandbox by 8 cm. Convert 8 cm to 0.08 m. The volume equals 3 × 2 × 0.08 = 0.48 m³. Sand at 1500 kg/m³ weighs about 720 kg for this job. If bags are 25 kg each you need 720 ÷ 25 ≈ 29 bags plus a little extra for spillage.
Example 3 — Pathway with imperial units
A path runs 40 ft by 5 ft by 3 in depth. Convert 3 in to 0.25 ft. Volume equals 40 × 5 × 0.25 = 50 ft³. Convert to cubic yards. 50 ÷ 27 ≈ 1.852 yd³. With a density of 100 lb/ft³ the weight is 50 × 100 = 5000 lb which equals 2.5 short tons. Enter your price per yard or per ton and you will see the same total either way.
Density Guide for Sand
Density changes with grain size moisture and compaction. Packed sand weighs more than loose sand. Wet sand weighs more than dry sand. The calculator lets you set any density so totals match your supplier ticket.
| Material | Loose (kg/m³) | Compacted (kg/m³) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry sand (fine) | 1500–1550 | 1650–1750 | Higher surface area increases water demand |
| Dry sand (coarse) | 1550–1650 | 1700–1850 | Angular grains lock together under compaction |
| Moist sand | 1650–1750 | 1800–2000 | Free surface moisture increases mass |
| Manufactured sand | 1550–1700 | 1700–1900 | Stone-crushed with controlled fines |
Bulk density definitions appear in many engineering handbooks. You can learn the fundamentals of density and porosity from the bulk density overview on Wikipedia. For aggregate gradation and field compaction techniques see relevant standards such as ASTM D698 and ASTM D1557 available through ASTM International.
Bags, Buckets, and Pickup Loads
Sometimes you buy by the bag or by the bucket. The math stays friendly once you convert mass back to volume using density.
Bag count
- Bag mass ÷ density = volume per bag
- Required bags = project volume ÷ volume per bag
With 25 kg bags and 1600 kg/m³ density each bag holds 25 ÷ 1600 = 0.015625 m³. A 0.48 m³ sandbox needs about 31 bags for a safe margin.
5-gallon bucket count
A 5-gal bucket holds 0.667 ft³ or 0.0189 m³. A 2 m³ job needs roughly 106 buckets. That is great for small spaces though a wheelbarrow speeds things up.
Pickup truck heuristics
Truck beds differ. A common half-ton pickup holds about 1 yd³ heaped. Wet sand gets heavy quickly. Check your payload rating before you load.
Cost Estimation That Matches Real Quotes
Suppliers might quote by cubic yard by cubic meter or by ton. The calculator does not care which price you have. Enter one price and a realistic density then it derives the other price so the total always matches.
Why totals sometimes disagree across tools
Some calculators convert between $/m³ and $/t with inconsistent density. That introduces errors. This calculator converts to base units first then performs the transformation. The total stays aligned with supplier invoices.
Walkthrough with numbers
- You measured 50 m³.
- Supplier density 1600 kg/m³ gives about 80 t.
- You have a price of $10 per m³.
- Total cost equals 50 × 10 = $500.
- Price per ton that returns the same total equals 500 ÷ 80 = $6.25/t approximately.
Coverage Charts by Depth
Use this quick table to see how much sand covers 1 m² or 1 ft² at common depths.
| Depth | Volume per m² | Volume per ft² | Approx mass at 1600 kg/m³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 cm (0.79 in) | 0.02 m³ | 0.72 gal • 0.706 ft³ | 32 kg per m² |
| 5 cm (2 in) | 0.05 m³ | 1.76 gal • 1.765 ft³ | 80 kg per m² |
| 10 cm (4 in) | 0.10 m³ | 3.53 gal • 3.531 ft³ | 160 kg per m² |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate sand for irregular shapes?
Split the area into rectangles circles or triangles. Calculate each part then add the volumes. For curved beds trace a grid and approximate by cells. The calculator accepts the total area with a single depth which keeps life simple.
What if my subgrade is uneven?
Use average depth. Take three to five measurements across the site. Add them up then divide by the count. Enter that average. Add a waste factor for rake-off and leveling.
What waste factor should I allow?
Plan 5–10% for small projects. Increase to 10–15% for complex edges or heavy compaction. Ordering a little extra saves a second trip which usually costs more.
Does moisture change the math?
Moisture changes density which adds weight but not volume. If you buy by the ton ask for a current density from the pit or yard. If you buy by the cubic meter you can ignore moisture because volume stays the same.
Practical Tips to Order Like a Pro
- Mark utility lines before digging. Safety first.
- Compact in lifts. Two to three passes per layer with a plate compactor builds a stable base.
- Keep a straightedge on site. Check thickness while you spread.
- Place geotextile over weak subgrade to separate sand from mud.
- If you are setting pavers confirm the bedding layer thickness recommended by the manufacturer.
- Ask for a clean washed sand when drainage matters.
Glossary of Common Terms
- Bulk density: Mass per unit volume including voids.
- Compaction: Mechanical densification that reduces voids.
- Moisture content: Water mass expressed as a percentage of dry mass.
- Grading: Distribution of particle sizes in a sample.
The Sand Calculator helps you move from rough guesswork to a clear plan. Enter your dimensions choose a density that matches the material then review the total cost either by volume or by weight. The math stays transparent and the outputs reflect real-world quotes. Use it before you call the truck and you will order the right amount the first time.
