Sand Calculator
Calculate exactly how much sand you need for your project
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Frequently Asked Questions
The weight of sand varies depending on its moisture content and composition. Dry sand typically weighs around 1,600 kg/m³ (2,700 lb/yd³), while wet sand can weigh up to 1,920 kg/m³ (3,240 lb/yd³).
Wet sand contains water in the spaces between sand particles, which adds to its overall weight. The water fills the voids that would otherwise be filled with air in dry sand, increasing the density and weight of the material.
For a patio base, you typically need a 2-4 inch (5-10 cm) layer of sand. For a 10x10 ft (3x3 m) patio with a 3-inch (7.5 cm) layer, you would need approximately 0.93 yd³ (0.71 m³) of sand, weighing about 1.25 tons (1,135 kg).
For a standard 4x4 ft (1.2x1.2 m) sandbox filled to a depth of 6 inches (15 cm), you would need about 0.3 yd³ (0.23 m³) of sand, weighing approximately 0.4 tons (360 kg).
The calculator uses these formulas:
- Rectangular Area: Length × Width = Area
- Circular Area: π × (Diameter/2)² = Area
- Volume: Area × Depth
- Weight: Volume × Density
- Cost: Weight × Price per unit OR Volume × Price per unit