Sand Volume & Cost Calculator
Calculate exactly how many cubic yards of sand you need for your project.
How to Calculate Cubic Yards of Sand
Whether you are building a sandbox, laying a base for a patio, or filling a volleyball court, knowing the exact amount of sand required is crucial for budgeting and logistics. Sand is typically sold by the cubic yard, which represents a volume of 3 feet by 3 feet by 3 feet (27 cubic feet).
The Math Formula:
To calculate the volume of sand manually, use the following steps:
- Measure the Length and Width of the area in feet.
- Measure the Depth in inches and convert it to feet by dividing by 12.
- Multiply Length × Width × Depth (in feet) to get the total Cubic Feet.
- Divide the total Cubic Feet by 27 to convert the measurement into Cubic Yards.
Example Calculation
Suppose you have a sandbox that is 8 feet long and 8 feet wide, and you want the sand to be 6 inches deep.
- Length: 8 ft
- Width: 8 ft
- Depth: 0.5 ft (6 divided by 12)
- Calculation: 8 × 8 × 0.5 = 32 Cubic Feet.
- Conversion: 32 / 27 = 1.19 Cubic Yards.
Common Sand Coverage Estimations
Sand density can vary depending on moisture content and type (play sand, masonry sand, or fill sand). Generally, one cubic yard of dry sand weighs approximately 2,600 to 3,000 pounds (1.3 to 1.5 tons). When ordering, it is standard practice to add a 10% "buffer" to your total to account for compaction and settling during installation.