Sand Calculator
Sand Needed
0.8 tons
0.62 cu yd • 34 bags (50 lb) • 100 sq ft
Cubic Yards
0.62
Tons
0.8
50 lb Bags
34
Estimated Cost
$21 – $33
Tip: Bulk sand delivery is most economical for 1+ tons. A standard pickup truck holds about 1 ton. Delivery fee typically $50–$100.
Disclaimer: Estimates are for budgeting purposes only. Actual costs vary by location, contractor, material availability, and project complexity. Always get professional quotes for exact pricing.
Sand Cost Breakdown
| Sand Type | Density (tons/cu yd) | Cost / Ton | Best Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| All-Purpose Sand | 1.35 | $20 – $30 | Concrete mix, backfill, general fill |
| Mason Sand | 1.40 | $25 – $40 | Mortar, paver joints, volleyball |
| Paver Base Sand | 1.50 | $25 – $45 | Paver bedding, leveling |
| Play Sand | 1.35 | $40 – $60 | Sandboxes, playgrounds |
| White Sand | 1.30 | $50 – $80 | Decorative, zen gardens |
* Bulk delivery prices. Bagged sand costs 3–5× more per ton equivalent.
Average Project Costs (Material + Delivery)
| Project | Area & Depth | Sand Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paver Patio Base | 200 sq ft × 1″ | Paver Base | $25 – $55 |
| Sandbox (8 × 8 ft) | 64 sq ft × 6″ | Play Sand | $50 – $80 |
| Leveling Layer | 300 sq ft × 2″ | All-Purpose | $35 – $60 |
| Driveway Paver Bed | 500 sq ft × 1″ | Paver Base | $60 – $130 |
How We Calculate
Our sand calculator estimates volume and weight based on area dimensions, depth, and sand type. Results are provided in cubic yards, tons, and number of bags for flexible purchasing.
How the math works: Volume (cubic yards) = length (ft) × width (ft) × depth (in) ÷ 324. Tons = cubic yards × density factor (varies by sand type: 1.35 for all-purpose, 1.40 for mason, 1.50 for paver base). Bags (50 lb) = total weight in lbs ÷ 50. We add 10% to all estimates for compaction and minor variations.
Sand Type Comparison
All-Purpose / Concrete Sand ($20–$30/ton) is coarse, angular sand screened to a uniform size. Used for mixing concrete, backfilling utility trenches, and general fill. Not ideal for paver joints or sandboxes due to its rough texture.
Mason Sand ($25–$40/ton) is a fine, washed sand with smooth, rounded grains. Excellent for paver joint filling, mortar mix, volleyball courts, and sandboxes. Its fine texture compacts well and provides a smoother finish than all-purpose sand.
Paver Base / Bedding Sand ($25–$45/ton) is a coarse, angular sand specifically graded for leveling under pavers and flagstone. Its angular shape locks together and resists shifting. Applied at exactly 1 inch depth (after compaction) between the gravel base and the pavers.
Play Sand ($40–$60/ton) is washed, dried, and screened for safety. Tested for harmful materials and meets ASTM standards for playground use. Available in natural tan or white colors. More expensive than utility sands due to the extra processing.
Weight & Coverage Reference
One ton of sand covers approximately 100 sq ft at 2 inches deep, 200 sq ft at 1 inch deep, or 50 sq ft at 4 inches deep. One cubic yard equals approximately 1.35–1.50 tons depending on sand type. Compaction reduces volume by 10–15%, so order extra for applications requiring compaction (paver bases, backfill).
Additional Cost Factors
Our estimates cover sand material and delivery. Not included: compaction equipment rental ($50–$100/day for plate compactor), landscape fabric ($0.10–$0.30/sq ft), edging materials ($1–$10/linear ft), spreading labor ($25–$40/cu yd if hired), and disposal of excavated soil ($20–$50/cu yd).
Data Sources
Pricing data is compiled from landscape supply yards, HomeAdvisor, Angi, and building material distributors across multiple US regions. Sand density figures are based on USGS and industry-standard measurements for dry, loose sand. We review and update this data regularly.
Last updated: 2026-02-08
Frequently Asked Questions
How much sand do I need? +
Calculate sand volume as: length (ft) × width (ft) × depth (in) ÷ 324 = cubic yards. Then multiply by the sand density to get tons: cubic yards × 1.35 for all-purpose sand, × 1.45 for mason sand, or × 1.50 for paver base sand. For example, a 10 × 10 ft paver base at 1 inch deep: 10 × 10 × 1 ÷ 324 = 0.31 cu yd = 0.46 tons.
How much does sand cost? +
Bulk sand costs $20–$50 per ton delivered, depending on type. All-purpose sand runs $20–$30/ton, mason sand $25–$40/ton, and specialty sands (white play sand, polymeric) $40–$80/ton. Bagged sand at home centers costs $4–$8 per 50 lb bag, which is about $160–$320 per ton equivalent. Delivery adds $50–$150 per truckload.
What are the different types of sand? +
All-purpose (concrete) sand is a coarse, angular sand for mixing concrete and general fill. Mason sand is finer and washed — ideal for paver joints, sandboxes, and mortar mix. Paver base sand (also called bedding sand) is used under pavers and flagstone. Play sand is washed, screened, and tested safe for sandboxes. Polymeric sand contains binders that harden when wet for paver joints.
How much sand do I need to fill a sandbox? +
A standard sandbox needs sand 4–6 inches deep. For a 6 × 6 ft sandbox at 6 inches deep: 6 × 6 × 6 ÷ 324 = 0.67 cubic yards = about 900 lbs. Use washed play sand rated safe for children. For round sandboxes, use: radius² × 3.14 × depth (in) ÷ 324. A 10-ft diameter sandbox at 6 inches needs about 1.5 cubic yards (2,000 lbs).
How deep should sand be for a paver base? +
Paver bedding sand should be exactly 1 inch deep after compaction (lay 1.25 inches loose, then screed to 1 inch). This sits on top of a 4–6 inch compacted gravel base. Too much sand (over 1.5 inches) causes pavers to shift and settle unevenly. Too little (under 3/4 inch) doesn’t allow proper leveling. Use coarse, angular bedding sand — not mason sand or play sand.
How much does a cubic yard of sand weigh? +
Sand weight varies by type and moisture content. Dry all-purpose sand weighs about 2,700 lbs (1.35 tons) per cubic yard. Mason sand: 2,600–2,800 lbs (1.3–1.4 tons) per cubic yard. Wet sand can weigh 20–30% more. One cubic yard of sand fills about 54 standard 50 lb bags. A standard pickup truck can haul about 1–1.5 tons safely (roughly 0.75–1.1 cubic yards).
Should I buy sand in bags or in bulk? +
Buy bags for small projects under 0.5 cubic yards (about 675 lbs). At $4–$8 per 50 lb bag, small quantities are manageable but expensive at scale. For anything larger, bulk delivery saves 60–80%. A ton of bulk sand costs $20–$50 vs. $160–$320 for the same amount in bags. Bulk is delivered by dump truck — you will need a wheelbarrow and shovels to move it.
How is bulk sand delivered? +
Bulk sand arrives by dump truck and is dumped in a pile on your driveway or designated area. Most deliveries have a 1–3 ton minimum order. Standard dump trucks carry 10–15 tons. Delivery typically costs $50–$150 within 10–20 miles of the supply yard. Order delivery on a dry day — wet sand is heavier, stickier, and harder to spread. Lay a tarp if dumping on your driveway to make cleanup easier.
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