Sand Calculator

Calculate sand requirements for your project. Get volume in cubic meters/yards, weight in tons/kg, and number of bags needed.

Typical: 50-100mm (0.05-0.1m) for paver base, 300mm (0.3m) for sandbox

Density varies by sand type and moisture

Add 5-10% for settling/compaction

Rectangular: Volume = Length × Width × Depth\nCircular: Volume = π × (Diameter/2)² × Depth\nVolume with Compaction = Volume × (1 + Compaction%)\nWeight (tons) = Volume (m³) × Density (tons/m³)\nBags (25kg) = Weight (kg) ÷ 25
Example (Paver Base):\nArea: 5m × 3m = 15 m²\nDepth: 0.1m (10cm)\nSand Type: Construction (1.7 tons/m³)\nCompaction: 10%\n\nBase Volume = 15 × 0.1 = 1.5 m³\nWith Compaction = 1.5 × 1.1 = 1.65 m³\nWeight = 1.65 × 1.7 = 2.81 tons\nBags (25kg) = 2,810 ÷ 25 = 113 bags

How do I calculate how much sand I need?

Calculate the volume of the area: Length × Width × Depth. Then convert to the units you need (cubic yards, cubic meters, tons). For irregular shapes, break them into rectangles and add the volumes together.

What is the difference between sand types?

Construction sand (sharp/coarse): heavier, 1.5-1.7 tons/m³, used for concrete/mortar. Play sand (fine): lighter, 1.3-1.5 tons/m³, used for sandboxes. Beach sand: medium density, varies by moisture. Density affects weight calculations.

How much does sand weigh?

Dry sand typically weighs 1,500-1,600 kg/m³ (1.5-1.6 tons per cubic meter) or about 100 lb/ft³. Wet sand is heavier: 1,900-2,100 kg/m³. Type matters: coarse construction sand is denser than fine play sand.

Should I add extra for compaction and settling?

Yes! Add 5-10% extra for compaction. Sand settles when compacted or rained on. For base layers that will be heavily compacted (under pavers), add 10-15%. For sandboxes or non-compacted uses, 5% is sufficient.

How do I convert cubic meters to tons or bags?

Volume (m³) × Density (tons/m³) = Weight (tons). Typical sand: 1 m³ ≈ 1.5 tons. Bags are usually 25kg (0.025 tons) or 50 lb. So 1 ton = 40 bags of 25kg, or 1 m³ ≈ 60 bags.