Sand Calculator

The calculation begins with length × width × depth. Depth in inches is converted to feet, and the resulting cubic feet are divided by 27 to get cubic yards. The calculator then adds the waste percentage you select.

To estimate tons, the gross cubic-yard volume is multiplied by the editable bulk density. CountMaterials starts at 2,700 lb per cubic yard, or 1.35 U.S. tons per cubic yard, as a practical planning value.

The material-cost result simply multiplies estimated tons by the price per ton you enter. This makes the page useful for comparing supplier quotes without pretending that one nationwide price applies everywhere.

Sand can show a larger weight swing than many coarse aggregates because water can occupy the voids between small grains. Two truckloads with the same apparent volume may not weigh the same if one material is much wetter.

For ordering by weight, use the supplier's quoted conversion whenever possible. If you are comparing quotes from different suppliers, confirm whether their stated density or coverage assumes dry, damp, or washed material.

For irregular areas, break the project into rectangles, calculate each section, and add the results. This is usually more reliable than forcing a single average width into the calculator.

The estimate includes volume, waste, approximate tonnage, and material cost. It excludes delivery, taxes, minimum-order fees, spreading, excavation, compaction, edging, geotextile, and other project materials.

The calculator does not select the correct sand type for concrete, masonry, pavers, playgrounds, drainage, or fill. Material specifications should come from the project requirements or supplier.