Sand Calculator
Free online sand calculator for construction and landscaping projects. Estimate sand volume in m³, weight in kg and tonnes, and total material cost with charts.
About This Calculator
Our sand calculator helps construction contractors, landscapers, and DIY homeowners estimate the exact amount of sand needed for any project. Whether you are filling a sandbox, laying a paver patio, mixing concrete, or backfilling a trench, this tool computes volume in cubic meters and cubic feet, weight in kilograms and tonnes, and total material cost based on your area dimensions and local sand density.
To use the calculator, enter the length, width, and depth of the area to be filled in meters. The tool multiplies these dimensions to find the volume, then converts to weight using the sand density (default 1,602 kg/m³, the average for dry silica sand). Enter the price per tonne to get the total material cost. The results include a volume chart comparing m³ and ft³, and a weight chart comparing kg and tonnes.
Regional Notes
India (IN): Sand is typically sold in cubic feet (CFT) or brass units (1 brass = 100 CFT ≈ 2.83 m³). River sand density ranges from 1,440 to 1,700 kg/m³. A standard tractor load carries about 2-2.5 m³ of sand. Prices vary significantly by state and season.
United States (US): Sand is sold by the ton or cubic yard. One cubic yard of sand weighs approximately 2,700 lb (1.35 tons). Common bag sizes are 50 lb (22.7 kg) and 60 lb (27.2 kg). Play sand for sandboxes costs less than masonry sand for construction.
United Kingdom (UK): Sand is sold in bulk by the tonne or in 25 kg bags. Sharp sand is used for concrete mixing and as a base layer, while soft sand is preferred for bricklaying mortar. Prices range from £40-80 per tonne depending on type and delivery distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much sand do I need for a patio?
To calculate sand for a patio, multiply the patio length by width to get the area, then multiply by the sand bed depth (typically 25-50 mm for paver sand). The result is the volume of sand needed. For example, a 5 m × 4 m patio with 25 mm sand depth requires 0.5 m³ of sand.
How heavy is a cubic meter of sand?
A cubic meter of dry sand typically weighs between 1,440 and 1,700 kg depending on moisture content and grain size. Our calculator uses a standard density of 1,602 kg/m³, which is the average for dry silica sand commonly used in construction.
How do you calculate cubic meters of sand?
To calculate cubic meters of sand, measure the length, width, and depth of the area in meters, then multiply all three dimensions: Volume = Length × Width × Depth. For example, a trench 10 m long, 0.5 m wide, and 0.3 m deep requires 1.5 m³ of sand.
What is the volume of 1 tonne of sand?
One tonne (1,000 kg) of dry sand occupies approximately 0.624 m³ or 22 ft³. This is calculated by dividing the mass by the sand density: 1,000 kg ÷ 1,602 kg/m³ = 0.624 m³. The exact volume depends on the sand's moisture content and grain size.
Is sand heavier when it is wet?
Yes, wet sand is heavier than dry sand because water fills the spaces between sand grains, increasing the overall density. Wet sand can weigh up to 2,000 kg/m³, while dry sand typically weighs around 1,600 kg/m³. Always account for moisture when ordering sand for construction.
What is the difference between paver sand and regular sand?
Paver sand, also called polymeric sand, has special binders that lock pavers in place and prevent weed growth between joints. Regular construction sand is coarser and used as a base layer. For paver installations, use sharp sand for the bedding layer and polymeric sand for the joints.
How many bags of sand do I need?
A standard bag of sand weighs 25-50 kg depending on the supplier. Divide the total weight needed by the bag weight to get the number of bags. For example, 1,500 kg of sand in 25 kg bags requires 60 bags. The exact bag weight varies by region — 50 lb (22.7 kg) in the US, 25 kg in the UK, and 50 kg in India.