How this sand calculator works
Sand is sold by volume in yards or cubic meters, or by weight in tons, tonnes and bags. The calculator computes the volume from your area and depth and converts to weight with a density figure. Dry sand weighs about 1.25 tons per cubic yard (1.6 tonnes per cubic meter); damp or compacted sand is heavier, so nudge the density up if your supplier quotes wet weight.
Common sand depths
A paver bedding layer is 1 inch (2.5 cm) of concrete or coarse sand — not more, or the pavers will settle unevenly. Sandboxes are usually filled 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) deep. Leveling a lawn takes a thin ¼–½ inch (0.5–1 cm) topdressing per pass, and under an above-ground pool 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) of leveled sand is typical.
Which type of sand?
Concrete sand (coarse, washed) is the right base for pavers and slabs. Polymeric sand is only for the joints between pavers, not the bed. Play sand is washed and screened fine sand for sandboxes. Masonry sand is fine and uniform for mortar and smooth finishes. They are not interchangeable — a paver base in fine play sand will shift.
Ordering tips
Bulk sand above half a yard or half a cubic meter is far cheaper than bags. Sand compacts about 10% when tamped, so add that if your depth target is after compaction. Sand stores indefinitely if kept dry — rounding up costs little.