Calculate washed, mason, sharp, paver, polymeric, fill and play sand by cubic yards, tons or bags. Covers 14 sand types with density, compaction, coverage rates and 2025 pricing.
- 14 Sand Types
- 4 Area Shapes
- Cubic Yards & Tons
- Bag Count
- Coverage Table
- Cost Estimate
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Order summary
What Is Sand and Why Type Matters
Sand is a naturally occurring granular material made of finely divided rock and mineral particles. In construction it is classified by particle size (between 0.06 mm and 2 mm), grain shape (angular or rounded) and purity. But not all sand is the same. Mason sand is smooth and fine, ideal for mortar. Sharp sand has angular grains that lock together, which is why it is used under pavers and screeds. Play sand is washed and dust-free for child safety. Using the wrong sand type can fail in weeks.
Washed & mason sand
Fine, clean sand for concrete mixes, mortar and brickwork. Washed removes silt and clay. Mason sand is screened even finer.
Sharp sand
Angular, gritty sand for screeds, floor bedding and paver joints. Interlocks under compaction unlike rounded sand.
Paver bedding & polymeric
1 in of bedding sand levels the base. Polymeric sand sweeps into joints and hardens with water to lock pavers.
Fill & play sand
Fill sand is unwashed and used as bulk fill under slabs. Play sand is washed, screened and dust-free for sandboxes and playgrounds.
Sand is sold by the cubic yard in most US markets and by the ton at quarries. One cubic yard of sand weighs about 1.3 tons (2,600 lbs). But density varies: fill sand is 1.2 t/yd³ while silica sand is 1.35. That is a 12% difference in load weight for the same volume — enough to overload a truck.
Sand Type Reference
Density, best use and 2025 pricing for the 14 sand types covered by this calculator.
| Type | Density | Price/ton | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washed sand | 1.30 t/yd³ | $25–$55 | Concrete mix, pipe bedding |
| Mason sand | 1.30 t/yd³ | $28–$60 | Mortar, brickwork, stucco |
| Sharp sand | 1.35 t/yd³ | $30–$55 | Screed, floor bedding |
| Paver bedding sand | 1.35 t/yd³ | $30–$65 | 1 in bedding layer under pavers |
| Polymeric sand | 1.40 t/yd³ | $30–$60/50 lb bag | Paver joints, hardens with water |
| Fill sand | 1.20 t/yd³ | $10–$25 | Bulk fill under slabs, backfill |
| Play sand | 1.30 t/yd³ | $8–$30 | Sandboxes, playgrounds |
| Bank / pit sand | 1.20 t/yd³ | $12–$25 | General fill, sub-base |
| River sand | 1.30 t/yd³ | $25–$50 | Plaster, concrete, general |
| Yellow / building sand | 1.30 t/yd³ | $22–$45 | Bricklaying, pointing |
| Silica sand | 1.35 t/yd³ | $40–$90 | Sandblasting, filtration, glass |
| Beach sand | 1.30 t/yd³ | $25–$45 | Decorative, volleyball courts |
| Utility sand (fine) | 1.25 t/yd³ | $18–$35 | Pipe bedding, utility trenches |
| Top dress sand | 1.25 t/yd³ | $25–$50 | Lawn leveling, top dressing |
Sand Coverage by Depth
How much area one cubic yard of sand covers at common depths. Multiply cubic yards by density (about 1.3 t/yd³) to estimate tonnage.
| Depth | Coverage per yd³ | Approx weight | Common use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 in | 648 sq ft | ~1.3 tons | Lawn top dress |
| 1 in | 324 sq ft | ~1.3 tons | Paver bedding, screed |
| 2 in | 162 sq ft | ~1.3 tons | Sandbox base, thin fill |
| 3 in | 108 sq ft | ~1.3 tons | Pipe bedding, fill |
| 6 in | 54 sq ft | ~1.3 tons | Sandbox play depth, deep fill |
| 9 in | 36 sq ft | ~1.3 tons | CPSA playground fall height depth |
Master formula: (Length ft × Width ft × Depth in) ÷ 324 = Cubic Yards. Then multiply by density for weight. Add the compaction buffer if the sand is being compacted as a structural layer.
How the Sand Calculator Works
Six steps from bed dimensions to the order summary. Every conversion is printed with the result so you can verify against the supplier's ticket.
Choose area shape
Rectangle, circle, triangle or enter a known area in square feet.
Area calculation
The calculator computes the area from your dimensions using the correct shape formula.
Volume conversion
Area × depth ÷ 324 gives compacted cubic yards.
Compaction + waste
Add the compaction buffer for the application, plus a waste allowance for spillage.
Convert to tons or bags
Loose cubic yards × density gives tons. Or divide by bag yield for 50/60 lb bags.
Cost and truckloads
Quantity × price + delivery fee gives total cost. Divided by truck size gives load count.
Worked Example — 12 ft × 12 ft paver patio bedding sand
| Step | Calculation | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Bed area | 12 × 12 | 144 sq ft |
| Volume (1 in deep) | 144 × 1 ÷ 324 | 0.44 yd³ |
| With 5% compaction | 0.44 × 1.05 | 0.47 yd³ |
| With 5% waste | 0.47 × 1.05 | 0.49 yd³ |
| Weight (1.35 t/yd³) | 0.49 × 1.35 | 0.66 tons |
| Bag equivalent (50 lb) | 0.66 × 2000 ÷ 50 | 27 bags |
| Material cost @ $40/ton | 0.66 × $40 | $26.40 |
| Delivery | — | $120 (small-load fee) |
| Total | — | $146.40 |
Notice the twist: a small paver patio needs less than one ton of sand. At that volume, bagged sand is almost always cheaper than bulk delivery, because the small-load fee alone ($100–$150) exceeds the material cost. The calculator flags this automatically when the volume drops below 2 tons.
Sand by Application
Paver bedding — 1 in
Spread 1 in of paver bedding sand over a compacted gravel base, screed it flat, then lay pavers. Never compact this layer before laying pavers.
Polymeric joints — by joint width
Polymeric sand sweeps into paver joints. About 20–25 sq ft per 50 lb bag for 1/8 in joints and 12–15 sq ft per bag for 1/4 in joints. Activates with water.
Sandbox — 6–9 in depth
Play sandboxes are typically filled 6 in deep. For public playgrounds, ASTM and CPSC recommend up to 9 in of sand for adequate fall protection. Use only washed play sand.
Fill under slab — 2–6 in
Fill sand under a concrete slab is placed in 4 in lifts and compacted with a plate compactor. It fills the void between the gravel base and the slab's vapour barrier.
Pipe bedding — 3–6 in
Washed sand is placed 3 in below and 6 in above underground pipes, with sand surrounding the pipe. Protects against point loading and allows flex.
Lawn top dress — 0.25–0.5 in
Top dressing sand is spread over established lawns at 0.25–0.5 in depth to level low spots. Always use clean sand, never fill sand with silt.
Common Sand Mistakes
Confusing tons and yards
One cubic yard of sand is about 1.3 tons, not 1.0. Using the wrong unit under-orders by 30%. Always ask your supplier which unit they sell by.
Using fill sand under pavers
Fill sand contains silt and clay. Under pavers it shifts and washes out, causing settlement. Use sharp paver bedding sand instead.
Compacting bedding sand
Bedding sand under pavers is screeded, not compacted. Compacting it destroys the levelling layer, and pavers settle unevenly.
Ignoring compaction for fill
Structural fill sand compacts 10–20%. If you order the loose volume without a compaction buffer, the fill will be short by the amount it compresses.
Playing in fill sand
Fill sand is unwashed and contains silica dust. Never use it in a sandbox or playground. Use washed play sand that meets ASTM C144 or CPSA safety requirements.
Forgetting delivery minimums
Most bulk sand yards have a 5–10 ton minimum. Below that, plan to pick up in a truck or pay a small-load fee. Bagged sand is often cheaper for jobs under 2 tons.
Construction sand is graded under ASTM C33 (concrete aggregate) and ASTM C144 (masonry mortar aggregate). Paver bedding sand follows ASTM C144 and ICPI Tech Spec 2. Play sand for sandboxes is covered by ASTM C144 for cleanliness plus CPSA Public Playground Safety Handbook for fall height depth. Polymeric sand joint fill follows manufacturer specifications, typically with 1/8 to 1/4 in joints. Grading is by ASTM C136 (sieve analysis).
One cubic yard of sand covers 324 sq ft at 1 inch, 108 sq ft at 3 inches, or 54 sq ft at 6 inches. A cubic yard weighs about 1.3 tons. A 50 lb bag of sand is about 0.5 cubic feet, so there are about 54 bags per cubic yard. A tandem truckload (14 tons) is about 11 cubic yards of sand. Add 5–10% waste for small jobs and 10–15% for large jobs with irregular edges.
People Also Ask
How much does a cubic yard of sand weigh?
About 1.3 tons or 2,600 pounds for most construction sand types. Fill sand is lighter at about 1.2 tons (2,400 lbs). Silica sand is heavier at about 1.35 tons (2,700 lbs). A cubic yard of sand is a slightly smaller weight than a cubic yard of gravel (1.4 tons) because sand has less void space but a finer grain structure.
How many tons of sand are in a cubic yard?
Between 1.2 and 1.35 tons per cubic yard depending on the type. Washed sand and mason sand are 1.30. Sharp sand and paver bedding are 1.35. Fill sand and bank sand are 1.20. Silica sand is 1.35. To convert cubic yards to tons, multiply by density. To convert tons to cubic yards, divide by density.
How much sand do I need for a paver patio?
For a 12 × 12 ft patio at 1 in bedding depth: 144 sq ft × 1 in ÷ 324 = 0.44 cubic yards. Add 5% compaction and 5% waste and you are at 0.49 yd³, or about 0.66 tons. Use sharp paver bedding sand (not fill sand or mason sand). Add polymeric sand separately for the joints.
What is the difference between mason sand and washed sand?
Both are fine, clean sand, but they differ in grading and purpose. Washed sand is washed to remove silt and clay, leaving a mix of grain sizes for concrete mixes. Mason sand is finer and more uniformly graded, screened specifically for mortar and brickwork joints. Washed sand is the standard for concrete; mason sand is the standard for tuckpointing and mortar.
How deep should sand be in a sandbox?
6 inches for a residential sandbox at play depth. For public playgrounds, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends up to 9 inches of sand to provide adequate fall protection for equipment up to 7 feet high. Never use less than 6 inches if children will be playing regularly. Always use washed play sand that is dust-free.
How many 50 lb bags of sand are in a cubic yard?
About 54 bags of 50 lb sand per cubic yard. A 50 lb bag of sand is approximately 0.5 cubic feet. Since a cubic yard is 27 cubic feet, you need 27 ÷ 0.5 = 54 bags. For 60 lb bags, it is about 45 bags per cubic yard. A single 50 lb bag covers about 6 sq ft at 1 in depth.
What is polymeric sand and how much do I need?
Polymeric sand is a mixture of fine sand and polymer binders that hardens when activated with water. It is swept into paver joints and locks the pavers in place while preventing weed growth and ant infiltration. Coverage: about 20–25 sq ft per 50 lb bag for 1/8 in joints, and 12–15 sq ft per bag for 1/4 in joints. Never use polymeric sand on wet pavers or in the rain.
Can I use play sand under pavers?
No. Play sand is washed and rounded, which makes it shift under load. Paver bedding requires sharp, angular sand that interlocks when screeded. Rounded play sand will allow pavers to settle unevenly. Use paver bedding sand or sharp sand for any surface that sees foot or vehicle traffic.
How much does sand cost per ton?
Bulk sand ranges from $10 to $90 per ton depending on type. Fill sand and bank sand are the cheapest at $10–$25 per ton. Washed sand and river sand run $25–$55. Mason sand is $28–$60. Silica sand is the most expensive at $40–$90. Bagged play sand from hardware stores runs much higher per ton because of packaging and retail markup.
Does sand need to be compacted?
It depends on the application. Structural fill sand (under slabs, under gravel bases) must be compacted in 4 in lifts with a plate compactor or vibratory roller. Paver bedding sand must NOT be compacted — it is screeded flat and pavers are laid on top. Sandbox play sand is never compacted. Always confirm the requirement for your application.
What is sharp sand and where is it used?
Sharp sand, also called grit sand or concrete sand, has angular grains that interlock under compaction. It is used for floor screeds, paver bedding, concrete mixes and pipe bedding. It compacts harder than mason sand and drains faster than fill sand. In the UK and Ireland it is the standard for external paving and screed work.
How do I calculate sand for a circular sandbox?
Measure the diameter of the sandbox, divide by 2 for the radius, then use Area = π × r². For an 8 ft circular sandbox, r = 4, so area = π × 16 = 50.3 sq ft. At 6 in depth: 50.3 × 6 ÷ 324 = 0.93 cubic yards, or about 1.2 tons. Use the Circle tab in the calculator above for automatic conversion.
Can I use sand as a base for artificial grass?
Yes. Artificial grass is typically installed over 1–2 in of sharp sand or class II sand on a compacted gravel base. The sand helps drainage and provides a stable, level surface. Some installers add a thin layer of silica sand on top of the grass to weigh down the turf and keep the pile upright. Use sharp sand, never fill sand.
What is the cheapest sand for a driveway?
Fill sand at $10–$25 per ton is the cheapest option, but it is not a driveway surface. It is used as bulk fill under gravel bases. Bank sand at $12–$25 per ton is also cheap but contains more silt. For a driveway base layer, you actually want gravel or crusher run, not sand. Sand is used as a bedding layer or top dress, not as the structural layer.
How much sand goes in a concrete mix?
A standard concrete mix ratio is 1 part cement : 2 parts sand : 3 parts gravel by volume. So for 1 cubic yard of concrete, use roughly 0.5 cubic yards of sand. This is a general mix; engineering specifications can differ. Use washed concrete sand (ASTM C33), not mason sand or fill sand. Add water per the mix design, typically 0.4–0.6 of the cement weight.
Is this calculator free and does it store my data?
Yes and no. Every calculation runs entirely in your browser — nothing is sent to a server, nothing is stored. Your inputs are not saved anywhere. The only thing remembered is the rating counter, which uses your browser's local storage and never leaves your device.
Related Calculators
References
- ASTM C33 / C33M — Standard Specification for Concrete Aggregates. ASTM International.
- ASTM C144 — Standard Specification for Aggregate for Masonry Mortar. ASTM International.
- ASTM C136 — Standard Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse Aggregates. ASTM International.
- Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI). Tech Spec 2: Construction of Interlocking Concrete Pavement.
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Public Playground Safety Handbook (Publication 325).
Confirm sand gradation, density and compaction requirements with your supplier and local code before ordering. Sand quantities from this calculator are estimates for planning only.