Calculated result
1.5yd³
Bulk sand order
Formula
LAND-SAND-00130 ft³
Net sand volume
1.28 yd³
Volume after compaction factor
2.03 tons
Estimated delivery weight
Landscaping calculator
Sand calculator
Bulk sand volume and tonnage from area, installed depth, a visible compaction factor and supplier density.
Reviewed formula · v1.0.0
Project inputs
Enter field measurements. Unit conversion happens before the reviewed formula is applied.
All values can be refined when you edit the estimate. This tool does not replace field verification or local requirements.
Transparent cost view
Use visible planning values, then replace them with actual job costs before quoting.
Material cost$128
Direct cost$518
Overhead + contingency$52
Markup + tax$68
Estimated project total$638
How this calculator works
A transparent sand calculator takeoff.
This calculator converts a rectangular sand area and installed depth into cubic yards, then applies a visible compaction factor, waste allowance and supplier density for tonnage.
Worked example. Example: a 12 ft × 10 ft bed at 3 in depth is 1.11 yd³. With 15% compaction and 10% waste the bulk order rounds to 1.5 yd³, or about 2.03 tons at 1.35 tons/yd³.
- 1. Measure the finished area and the compacted installed depth.
- 2. Enter a compaction factor when the sand will be tamped or plated.
- 3. Replace the default density with the supplier's figure for the selected sand.
Need the broader workflow? Read the landscaping planning guide.
Questions
Common questions about this sand calculator.
Is this the same as the gravel calculator?
No. Sand keeps compaction as its own input because bedding and masonry sands are often ordered loose and then compacted.
Does this include paver joint sand?
Only if you enter joint-fill depth as an equivalent bed. Fine joint sand is often a separate bag product.