Sand Calculator

How to measure your area

1. For rectangles: area = length x width. For circles: area = pi x r^2.
2. Break irregular shapes into rectangles and add them together.
3. Convert depth to feet (in / 12) or meters (cm / 100) before volume math.
4. If you're filling low spots, estimate depth from multiple checks and use an average.
5. If you have multiple layers (base + bedding), estimate each layer separately instead of averaging them together.
6. For paver bedding, use the final screeded thickness (often about 1 inch), not the loose pile height.
7. If you plan to compact, estimate depth as the final compacted thickness and add loose material for compaction loss.
8. If you need tons: convert volume to yards first, then multiply by your supplier’s yards-to-tons conversion for that exact product (dry vs wet can differ).

Assumptions to double-check

• Sand density varies by moisture and how tightly it is packed.
• Loose sand can compact after watering or traffic, reducing installed depth.
• Suppliers may sell by cubic yards or by tons; conversions depend on density.
• Different sand types (play vs masonry vs bedding) can behave differently in compaction and drainage.
• Play sand is not a substitute for bedding or concrete sand in most structural applications—match the sand type to the system.
• Bedding layers are typically thin; if you are using thick sand to fix grade, the base may need to be rebuilt instead.
• If you are buying joint or polymeric sand, coverage is driven by joint width and paver size, not by bedding depth (different product and different math).

Buying tips

• Confirm sand type (play sand, masonry sand, fill sand) with your supplier.
• Round up to delivery minimums and keep a little extra for touch-ups.
• If you are leveling, plan for low spots and uneven existing grade.
• If sand is part of a system (pavers, turf, mortar), follow product recommendations—wrong sand can cause failures.
• If you need washed sand, specify washed—unwashed sand can have fines that stain or compact differently.
• For paver bedding or base systems, avoid play sand; use the bedding/ concrete/masonry sand specified by the system.
• If your supplier sells by tons, ask for their conversion for your product and typical moisture condition.
• Ask for the exact product name/gradation (masonry, concrete, washed, fill, joint sand). The label “sand” is too generic to price or plan reliably.
• If you are using polymeric joint sand, confirm dry-weather requirements and buy enough for the whole job so color and performance match.
• If you’re close to a delivery minimum, consider measuring and ordering in two stages (base first, then final bedding/top fill) so you don’t over-order the wrong sand.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Using a single depth when the surface has low spots that need more fill.
• Mixing up loose depth and final compacted depth.
• Not confirming the sand type required for your project (play vs masonry vs bedding).
• Assuming a single density works for wet and dry sand (moisture can change weight noticeably).
• Using sand as a thick structural layer where base stone and compaction should do the work.
• Using joint/polymeric sand as bedding sand (wrong product for the layer).