How this is calculated
Sand volume uses the same length × width × depth formula as gravel. The difference is density — dry sand runs lighter than compacted crushed stone, so the tonnage line uses a lower factor.
Bag counts are a rough equivalent for DIY runs to the hardware store. Bulk delivery by the ton is what most patio and driveway bases use once the area gets past a few square feet.
Keep bedding sand separate from the gravel sub-base in your takeoff. Mixing those two volumes into one 'base' number is how patio quotes hide a missing layer.
Wet sand weighs more and bulks differently in a truck. Treat the tonnage line as planning weight and confirm with your yard's product sheet when colour or moisture content matters.
Formula & methodology
Volume = Length × Width × Depth. Cubic yards = ft³ ÷ 27. Tons ≈ yd³ × 1.35 (US) or tonnes ≈ m³ × 1.6 (UK).
Worked example
A 12 ft × 8 ft paver base, 2 in deep
- 1.Depth in feet: 2 ÷ 12 = 0.17 ft
- 2.Volume = 12 × 8 × 0.17 = 16.3 ft³
- 3.Cubic yards = 16.3 ÷ 27 = 0.60 yd³
- 4.Weight ≈ 0.60 × 1.35 = 0.81 tons
Frequently asked questions
How deep should paver sand be?
A screed layer under pavers is usually 1–2 inches (25–50 mm). The compacted gravel sub-base below that is separate — use the Gravel Calculator for that layer.
Washed sand or sharp sand?
Bedding under pavers is usually concrete sand or sharp sand that compacts flat. Play sand for sandboxes is finer and not suited to structural bases.
Why show tons and bags?
Suppliers deliver bulk sand by weight. Bags are for topping up a small area or a child's sandbox where a truck is not worth it.
Does this include compaction?
No. Compacting sand reduces finished depth by roughly 10–15%. Order slightly more if you will screed and compact in layers.
Can I use this for mortar mix?
It gives you bulk sand volume. Mortar mix ratios are a different calculation — this tool is for bedding and fill quantity only.
US and UK units?
Toggle feet/inches or metres/centimetres at the top. Cost currency follows the unit system you pick.
Is polymeric joint sand the same?
No. Joint sand for locking pavers is a separate bagged product. This calculator is for the bedding layer under the pavers.
Sandbox depth?
Children's sandboxes often use 6–12 inches of play sand. Enter that depth here, but buy play sand — not sharp bedding sand.
Last updated 2026-09-01. Formulas are planning methods — confirm with a supplier before you order.