Estimate sand for paver bases, play areas, leveling, and fill. Enter your dimensions, pick the sand type, and get cubic yards and tons — plus bag counts if you’re buying bagged.
How to use this calculator
- Enter length, width, and depth of the area.
- Choose the sand type — masonry, play, or fill sand differ slightly in weight.
- Add your supplier’s price per ton for a cost estimate.
The math behind it
Cubic yards = length (ft) × width (ft) × depth (in) ÷ 12 ÷ 27, plus waste/compaction. Tons = cubic yards × density (masonry sand ≈ 1.40, play sand ≈ 1.35, fill sand ≈ 1.45 tons per cubic yard).
FAQs
How much sand do I need for a paver patio?
Paver bedding is typically 1 inch of screeded sand after compaction. A 10×10 ft patio needs about 0.7 cubic yards — roughly 1 ton. Order a little extra; sand compacts and migrates into paver joints.
What’s the difference between masonry sand and fill sand?
Masonry (concrete) sand is washed and screened for a consistent grain — best under pavers and in mortar. Fill sand is cheaper and coarser, fine for leveling and backfill where finish doesn’t matter.
Related calculators
- Gravel Calculator
- Topsoil Calculator
- Tile Calculator — for the pavers themselves