Sand Calculator

Use Cases (Sandbox / Paver / Pool)

Sand is used for paver bedding, paver base leveling, sandboxes, and pool installations, each at a different depth. Paver bedding is a 1 inch layer over compacted gravel. Sandboxes are filled 6 inches deep with washed play sand. Above-ground pool bases use about 1 to 2 inches of leveled sand. The calculator finds the volume from length, width, and depth, then converts to tons and 50 pound bags. Dry sand weighs about 1.35 tons per cubic yard, so a 100 square foot paver bedding layer at 1 inch is about 0.31 cubic yards or 0.42 tons.

Tons by Type

Sand weight varies slightly by type, but dry sand averages about 2,700 pounds, or 1.35 tons, per cubic yard. Wet sand weighs more because water fills the gaps between grains. Most retail sand is sold in 50 pound bags, and it takes about 54 bags to make one cubic yard. Bagged sand suits small jobs like a sandbox or a few pavers. For a paver patio or pool base, order bulk sand by the ton, since dozens of bags cost far more than a single bulk delivery. The table shows common projects and their sand needs.

Paver Base Compaction

A paver installation uses sand in two roles. The base is compacted gravel, and the bedding is a 1 inch sand layer screeded smooth on top of it. The bedding sand fills the small voids and lets you set the pavers level. Concrete sand or coarse bedding sand works best because it locks in place under load. Do not use fine play sand for paver bedding, since it washes out and the pavers settle unevenly. Add 10 percent extra sand for the screeding waste and the joint-filling pass after the pavers are set.

What sand is safe for a sandbox?

Use washed and screened play sand for a sandbox, sold specifically as play sand and certified dust-free. Avoid construction or mason sand, which can contain fine silica dust. A 5 x 5 ft sandbox filled 6 inches deep needs about 12.5 cubic feet, or 13 bags of 50 pounds. Refresh or replace play sand each season to keep it clean.

How much sand to level a pool base?

An above-ground pool base needs 1 to 2 inches of leveled sand over a cleared, compacted area. A 24 ft round pool needs about 1.4 to 2.8 cubic yards depending on the depth. Rake the sand perfectly level before setting the pool, since any high or low spot stresses the liner. Order bulk sand by the ton for a pool base rather than dozens of bags.

Sand Types and Their Uses

Sand comes in several grades, each suited to a different job. Concrete sand is coarse and used for paver bedding and mixing concrete. Mason sand is finer and used in mortar and as a smooth play surface. Play sand is washed and screened dust-free for sandboxes. Fill sand is cheap and used as a base under pipes and pools. White silica sand is used for golf bunkers and decorative uses. Always match the sand grade to the project for the best result.

Coarse sand drains and locks better than fine sand. For paver bedding, use concrete or coarse bedding sand because it stays in place under load and resists washing out. For a sandbox or a smooth play surface, use fine washed play sand. Never use fine sand under pavers, since it shifts and the pavers settle unevenly over time. Confirm the sand type with the supplier before ordering, since the wrong grade can fail under a patio or pool.

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