Quick Answer
Use this formula for any sand project:
- Example: 200 sq ft × 2 inches ÷ 324 = 1.23 cubic yards
- Always round up to the next quarter yard when ordering bulk
- Add 10% for waste, settling, and uneven surfaces
Skip the Math — Use the Free Calculator
Enter your dimensions. Get cubic yards, bags, and weight instantly.
Open Sand Calculator →The Sand Formula — Explained
All sand calculations follow the same three steps:
Why 324?
- 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet = 46,656 cubic inches
- 1 sq ft × 1 inch deep = 144 cubic inches
- 46,656 ÷ 144 = 324 — that's the magic number
How Deep Should Sand Be?
Depth depends entirely on your project type. Using the wrong depth is the most common sand ordering mistake.
| Project | Recommended Depth | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Paver base / leveling layer | 1 inch | On top of compacted gravel base |
| Sandbox (kids) | 6 – 12 inches | Deeper = safer fall protection |
| Above-ground pool base | 2 – 4 inches | Smooth and compact before liner |
| Pipe bedding | 4 – 6 inches | Below and around pipe |
| General fill / leveling | 2 – 4 inches | Grade before compacting |
| Horse arena / riding surface | 4 – 6 inches | Mix with rubber for cushion |
| Volleyball court | 12 – 18 inches | FIVB standard: 400mm (≈16") |
For paver patios, use only 1 inch of sand on top of a 4–6 inch compacted gravel base. Thicker sand is tempting but causes pavers to shift and sink over time.
Coverage Table: Cubic Yards to Square Feet
Find your cubic yard amount in the left column, then read across for coverage at different depths.
| Cubic Yards | At 1" Deep | At 2" Deep | At 3" Deep | At 4" Deep | At 6" Deep |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 yd³ | 162 sq ft | 81 sq ft | 54 sq ft | 40 sq ft | 27 sq ft |
| 1 yd³ | 324 sq ft | 162 sq ft | 108 sq ft | 81 sq ft | 54 sq ft |
| 2 yd³ | 648 sq ft | 324 sq ft | 216 sq ft | 162 sq ft | 108 sq ft |
| 3 yd³ | 972 sq ft | 486 sq ft | 324 sq ft | 243 sq ft | 162 sq ft |
| 5 yd³ | 1,620 sq ft | 810 sq ft | 540 sq ft | 405 sq ft | 270 sq ft |
| 10 yd³ | 3,240 sq ft | 1,620 sq ft | 1,080 sq ft | 810 sq ft | 540 sq ft |
Sand Needed for Common Projects
Worked Examples
- 10×10 ft patio at 1 inch: 100 × 1 ÷ 324 = 0.31 yd³ (buy bags)
- 8×8 ft sandbox at 8 inches: 64 × 8 ÷ 324 = 1.58 yd³
- 20×18 ft driveway at 1 inch: 360 × 1 ÷ 324 = 1.11 yd³
- 12 ft round pool base at 3 inches: 113 × 3 ÷ 324 = 1.05 yd³
Bags vs. Bulk Sand
| Option | Typical Cost | Cost per Yd³ | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 lb bags (≈0.5 cu ft) | $5 – $8/bag | $270 – $432/yd³ | Under 0.25 yd³ |
| 60 lb bags (play sand) | $7 – $10/bag | $190 – $270/yd³ | Sandboxes, small fills |
| Bulk delivery | $15 – $40/yd³ | $15 – $40/yd³ | 0.5 yd³ and above |
- 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet = about 2,700 lbs of dry sand
- Bulk sand is 80–90% cheaper than bags for any job over half a yard
- Most suppliers have a 1-yard minimum for delivery
Wet sand weighs up to 3,400 lbs per cubic yard — about 700 lbs more than dry. Make sure your vehicle or wheelbarrow can handle the load before hauling bags.
Which Sand Type Do I Need?
| Sand Type | Best Use | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Play sand / washed sand | Sandboxes, pools | Fine-grained, safe for children |
| Masonry sand | Mortar, brick laying | Very fine, binds well |
| Concrete sand | Paver base, concrete mix | Coarser; better drainage |
| Fill sand | Fill, grading, leveling | Cheapest option; may contain clay |
| White silica sand | Horse arenas, golf | Premium — more expensive |
Calculate Your Sand Order Now
Enter length, width, and depth. Get cubic yards, tons, and bag counts in one click.
Open Sand Calculator →Frequently Asked Questions
How many cubic yards is a ton of sand?
Dry sand weighs about 2,700 lbs (1.35 tons) per cubic yard. So 1 ton of sand equals roughly 0.74 cubic yards. Wet sand is denser — closer to 0.59 cubic yards per ton.
How many bags of sand in a cubic yard?
- 50 lb bags (≈0.5 cu ft): 54 bags per cubic yard
- 60 lb bags (≈0.6 cu ft): 45 bags per cubic yard
- 80 lb bags (≈0.8 cu ft): 34 bags per cubic yard
Does sand need to be compacted?
- Under pavers: Yes — compact to prevent settling
- Sandbox: No — leave loose for play
- Pool base: Lightly smooth, do not compact under the liner
Related Guides
- Sand Cubic Yard Calculator — Online sand calculator tool
- Sand Coverage Calculator — Coverage by depth
- Sand Weight Calculator — Tons and pounds from cubic yards
- Square Feet to Cubic Yards — The ÷324 formula explained
- How Many Cubic Yards Do I Need? — Master guide for all materials
- Cubic Yards to Tons — Convert sand volume to weight