Sand Calculator
Calculate sand volume and estimated weight for beds, landscaping and paving. Mix feet/inches or meters/centimeters and include a waste allowance.
Add 5–10% for waste and uneven ground; default 10%.
Default bulk density: 1,600 kg/m³. Loose dry and wet sand differ substantially; confirm the delivered material's density with the supplier.
About the Sand Calculator
Estimate a rectangular sand bed for landscaping, leveling or a play area by entering its length, width and intended depth. For irregular spaces, divide the plan into rectangles and add their volumes. The result is material quantity, not a recommendation for structural layer thickness or the suitability of a particular sand.
Sand weight changes with moisture, grain size and packing. This tool starts at 1,600 kilograms per cubic meter and allows a supplier-specific bulk density. For example, a 3 m by 2 m bed with a 5 cm depth occupies 0.30 m³; adding 10% gives 0.33 m³, approximately 528 kg at the default density.
Use screened bedding sand specified for your paving system rather than assuming any sand will work. The Paver/Patio Base Calculator estimates the supporting gravel layer too. Use the Gravel Calculator for drainage aggregate or the Concrete Calculator for a poured slab. Unit dropdowns convert centimeters to meters and inches to feet-equivalent lengths before multiplication; do not manually divide the entered depth again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does wet sand weigh more than dry sand?
Usually yes for a given bulk volume, but packing and moisture also affect volume. Use the supplier's delivered bulk density for a reliable estimate.
Does the waste allowance set compaction?
No. It adds the selected percentage to geometric volume. Compaction requirements and bedding depth must come from the paving or project specification.
Can I use centimeters for depth and meters for length?
Yes. Each field has its own unit selector and the calculation converts every dimension to meters internally.
Take this calculation further
Browse the other calculators collection for more tools in this subject.
For a related calculation, use Topsoil Calculator to calculate garden topsoil volume and weight in cubic yards, cubic meters, tons or tonnes. Alternatively, use Fence Calculator to estimate fence panels and posts from perimeter length, panel width and optional gate deduction with metric or imperial units.