How Much Sand Do You Need? Cubic Yards, Tons & Coverage

Sand Calculation Formula

Sand volume is calculated the same way as other bulk materials. The formula for cubic yards:

Cubic Yards = (Length × Width in feet × Depth in inches) ÷ 12 ÷ 27

Or equivalently: Length × Width × Depth (all in feet) ÷ 27 = Cubic Yards.

Example — paver base sand, 1 inch deep, 200 sq ft area: 200 × 1 ÷ 12 ÷ 27 = 0.617 cubic yards. That's just over half a yard — likely easier to buy in bags for this small quantity.

To convert cubic yards to tons: 1 cubic yard of sand weighs approximately 1.2–1.4 tons (2,400–2,800 lbs) depending on sand type and moisture content. Multiply cubic yards × 1.3 as a practical average.

Types of Sand and Their Uses

Coarse washed sand (concrete sand): Used in concrete mixes (2–3 parts sand per 1 part cement by volume) and as a bedding layer under pavers. Angular grains compact well. This is the most common construction sand.
Mason sand (fine sand): Very fine, used in mortar mixes for brick and block work. Smooth texture. Not appropriate for paver bedding.
Play sand (sandbox sand): Fine, washed, and rounded for safe contact with children. Specifically processed to remove sharp edges. Never substitute construction sand in a sandbox.
Paver jointing sand (polymeric sand): Fine sand mixed with polymers that harden when wet. Used to fill joints between pavers to resist weeds and ant intrusion.
Pool base sand: Fine, washed sand placed under pool liners to protect from punctures. Typically mason sand.
Drainage sand (coarse): Placed around drain pipes and under driveways to manage water drainage.

Common Project Depths

Paver bedding layer: 1 inch of coarse sand under concrete pavers. More than 1 inch causes instability.
Pool liner base: 2–3 inches of fine sand under an above-ground pool liner
Sandbox: Minimum 6 inches deep for good play experience; 8–12 inches provides more depth. A 4×8 ft sandbox needs: 4 × 8 × 8 ÷ 12 ÷ 27 = 0.79 cubic yards or about 1 ton of play sand.
Drainage backfill around pipes: 6–12 inches surrounding pipe

Sand Cost: Bulk vs. Bags

Bulk delivery (per ton): $20–$50 per ton. Minimum delivery typically 1–3 tons depending on supplier. Delivery fee $50–$150.
Bulk pickup (per yard from landscape supplier): $25–$60 per cubic yard
Bagged sand (50 lb bags): $5–$8 per bag at home centers. One 50-lb bag ≈ 0.5 cubic feet. To cover 100 sq ft at 1 inch deep (8.33 cu ft): you need roughly 17 bags.

For projects under half a yard (under ~200 sq ft at 1 inch depth), bags are often more convenient despite the higher per-unit cost. For larger projects, bulk delivery is far more economical.

Sand for Concrete Mixes

When mixing concrete from scratch (not bagged mix), the standard ratio is 1 part cement : 2 parts sand : 3 parts gravel by volume for general purpose concrete. For mortar (no gravel): 1 part cement : 3 parts sand. A standard concrete batch for a small project: 1 bag Portland cement (94 lbs) + 2 cubic feet of sand + 3 cubic feet of gravel yields approximately 4.5 cubic feet of concrete — just under half a cubic foot short of a 5-cubic-foot batch.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much sand do I need for paver base?

Paver installation requires a 1-inch layer of coarse sand (concrete sand) as the bedding layer. For 100 sq ft of pavers: 100 × 1 inch ÷ 12 ÷ 27 = 0.31 cubic yards ≈ 0.4 tons. For 500 sq ft: 1.54 cubic yards ≈ 2 tons. Note: this is for the sand bedding layer only — you also need a 4–6 inch compacted gravel base beneath the sand.

How many bags of sand for a sandbox?

For a standard 4×8 ft sandbox filled to 6 inches deep: 4 × 8 × 6 ÷ 12 ÷ 27 = 0.59 cubic yards = roughly 0.8 tons = about 1,600 lbs of play sand. At 50 lbs per bag, that's approximately 32 bags. Many home centers sell play sand in 50-lb bags for $5–$8 each, so budget $160–$260 for a 4×8 sandbox at 6 inches deep.

How much does a ton of sand cover?

One ton of sand (approximately 0.75 cubic yards) covers: 300 sq ft at 1 inch deep, 150 sq ft at 2 inches deep, or 75 sq ft at 4 inches deep. Coverage varies slightly based on sand density and moisture. Use this as a rough planning guide and order 10% extra to account for variation.

What type of sand for pavers vs. sandbox?

For pavers, use coarse concrete sand (also called washed sand or sharp sand) as the bedding layer — its angular grains compact and lock together for a stable base. For filling joints between pavers, use polymeric jointing sand. For sandboxes, always use specifically labeled play sand, which is washed, rounded, and screened for safety. Never put construction sand in a sandbox — it may contain silica dust and sharp particles harmful to children.

How much sand do I need for a 4x8 sandbox?

A 4×8 ft sandbox at 6 inches deep needs approximately 0.59 cubic yards or 32 bags of 50-lb play sand. At 8 inches deep: 0.79 cubic yards or about 42 bags. Most sandbox manufacturers recommend at least 6 inches of sand depth for a good play experience. Buy one or two extra bags for topping up after the sand settles.