Paver bedding: 1", leveling: 2-4", base fill: 4-6"
Sand Estimate
Estimated Total Cost
$74 – $198
1.60 tons of all-purpose / fill sand
12,800+ estimates calculated this month
Last updated: 2026-02-24
Quick Answer: How Much Sand Do I Need?
To figure out how much sand you need, multiply Length x Width x Depth (in feet), divide by 27 to get cubic yards, then multiply by 1.3 to convert to tons. Most sand weighs 1.3-1.4 tons per cubic yard depending on the type and moisture level. Add 5-10% extra for waste and uneven ground.
Inputs you'll need
- Length and width of the area (feet)
- Desired sand depth (inches)
- Sand type (fill, concrete, mason, bedding, play, or utility)
- Local price per ton and delivery fee (optional, for cost estimate)
How Deep Should Sand Be?
| Application | Recommended Depth | Best Sand Type |
|---|---|---|
| Paver bedding | 1 inch (screeded level) | Concrete sand or paver bedding sand |
| Leveling under slab | 2-4 inches over gravel base | Concrete sand |
| Pipe bedding | 4-6" below pipe, 6" above | Concrete sand (washed) |
| Backfill / grading | 4-6 inches (compacted) | Fill sand or utility sand |
| Sandbox | 12-18 inches | Play sand (washed, tested) |
| Mortar / stucco | By bag count (not depth) | Mason sand |
Sand Cost Per Ton by Type
Sand prices vary by type, processing level, and region. Here are typical 2026 prices per ton at the supplier, before delivery.
| Sand Type | Price Per Ton | Weight Per Cubic Yard | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Utility / bank run | $10-$25 | ~1.4 tons | Large fill projects, non-critical backfill |
| All-purpose fill sand | $15-$30 | ~1.3 tons | Backfill, leveling, general grading |
| Concrete sand (washed) | $25-$40 | ~1.35 tons | Concrete mixes, pipe bedding, drainage |
| Mason / mortar sand | $25-$45 | ~1.3 tons | Mortar, stucco, fine finish work |
| Paver bedding sand | $25-$45 | ~1.35 tons | Under pavers, leveling beds |
| Play sand (washed) | $30-$50 | ~1.3 tons | Sandboxes, volleyball courts |
Delivery adds $50-$150 depending on distance. Most suppliers charge extra beyond a 10-20 mile base zone. Buying a full truckload (10-22 tons) gets the best per-ton price. For small jobs, bagged sand from hardware stores costs $4-8 per 50 lb bag, but that works out to $160-320 per ton.
Worked Examples: Figuring Sand for Real Projects
Example A (paver patio bedding): 12 ft x 16 ft patio, 1 inch of bedding sand
- Volume = 12 x 16 x (1/12) = 16 cu ft
- Cubic yards = 16 / 27 = 0.59 cy
- Tons = 0.59 x 1.35 = 0.80 tons
- Order 1 ton to account for waste and screeding
- Cost at $35/ton + $75 delivery = $110
Example B (sandbox): 8 ft x 8 ft sandbox, 12 inches deep, play sand
- Volume = 8 x 8 x 1 = 64 cu ft
- Cubic yards = 64 / 27 = 2.37 cy
- Tons = 2.37 x 1.3 = 3.08 tons
- Cost at $40/ton + $100 delivery = $223
Example C (pipe bedding): 80 ft trench, 2 ft wide, 6 inches of sand below pipe
- Volume = 80 x 2 x (6/12) = 80 cu ft
- Cubic yards = 80 / 27 = 2.96 cy
- Tons = 2.96 x 1.35 = 4.0 tons
- With 10% overage = 4.4 tons (order 4.5 tons)
- Cost at $30/ton + $100 delivery = $235
For gravel base layers under sand, use the gravel calculator. For concrete work on top of your sand base, the concrete calculator handles cubic yards and bags. Planning a paver project? The paver calculator estimates pavers, base material, and polymeric sand. For general volume conversions, use the cubic yard calculator.
Sand vs. Gravel: When to Use Which
Sand and gravel serve different purposes. Using the wrong one can cause structural problems, drainage failures, or wasted money.
| Application | Use Sand | Use Gravel |
|---|---|---|
| Paver bedding layer | Yes (1" leveling course) | No (too uneven for pavers) |
| Sub-base under slabs | Optional thin leveling layer | Yes (4-6" compacted base) |
| Pipe bedding | Yes (cushions pipe) | No (can damage pipe) |
| French drain backfill | No (clogs drainage) | Yes (#57 stone drains freely) |
| Driveway surface | No (washes away) | Yes (compacts under traffic) |
| Mortar / stucco mix | Yes (mason sand required) | No |
Pro Tips From the Field
- Never substitute sand types in concrete. Concrete mixes require concrete sand (coarse, angular). Using mason sand or play sand changes the water ratio and weakens the final product. The spec exists for a reason.
- Screed paver bedding sand, don't compact it. The 1-inch bedding layer under pavers should be screeded flat with pipes or rails, then pavers set directly on it. Compaction happens after the pavers are laid. Compacting before you lay pavers creates an uneven surface.
- Order by the ton, not the yard. Wet sand can weigh 10-15% more per cubic yard than dry sand. Ordering by weight keeps your actual volume consistent regardless of moisture. If you order by volume, you might get less material on a rainy day.
- Use angular sand under pavers, not round. Round-grain sand shifts under load. Angular grains interlock and stay put. This is why concrete sand works for paver bedding and play sand does not.
- Compact fill sand in 4-inch lifts. Dumping 12 inches of sand and trying to compact it all at once will not work. The bottom stays loose while the top looks compacted. Build up in layers of 4 inches or less.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using the wrong sand type. Mason sand in concrete, play sand under pavers, fill sand for mortar. Each type is processed differently. Get the right one for the job or you will have problems.
- Not accounting for moisture. A cubic yard of wet sand weighs more than dry sand. If you are doing volume-based calculations, adjust for moisture content or order 10% extra.
- Buying bags for bulk jobs. Bagged sand from hardware stores costs $160-320 per ton. Bulk delivery is $10-50 per ton. For anything over half a cubic yard, bulk delivery saves significant money.
- Sand as a sole sub-base. Sand alone under a concrete slab or structure will shift and settle. You need a gravel base underneath for stability. Sand is a leveling layer, not a structural base.
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Sand Types & Pricing Guide
Sand costs per ton, depth recommendations, and ordering tips for every construction application.
How Much Does Sand Cost Per Ton in 2026?
Sand costs $10-$50 per ton depending on the type, with delivery adding $50-$150 per load.
- Utility / bank run sand: $10-$25/ton (cheapest, unprocessed fill)
- All-purpose fill sand: $15-$30/ton (general backfill, leveling)
- Concrete sand (washed): $25-$40/ton (concrete mix, drainage)
- Mason / mortar sand: $25-$45/ton (bricklaying, stucco)
- Paver bedding sand: $25-$45/ton (under pavers, leveling beds)
- Play sand (washed, fine): $30-$50/ton (sandboxes, volleyball courts)
One cubic yard of sand weighs approximately 1.3-1.4 tons depending on moisture content and grain size.
Key Takeaways
- Fill sand: $15-$30/ton
- Concrete/mason sand: $25-$45/ton
- 1 cubic yard of sand ≈ 1.3-1.4 tons
Sand Types: Which One Do You Need?
The right sand depends on the application. Using the wrong type can cause drainage problems, weak concrete, or failed paver installations.
- Fill sand: Unscreened, general purpose. Good for backfill behind retaining walls, filling trenches, and rough grading. Not suitable for concrete or bedding.
- Concrete sand (washed): Coarse, angular grains. Required for concrete mixes and used as pipe bedding. Well-graded for compaction and drainage.
- Mason sand: Fine, screened. Used in mortar, stucco, and as a finish sand for above-grade applications. Smoother texture than concrete sand.
- Paver bedding sand: Coarse, angular. Placed under pavers as a 1-inch leveling layer. Must be angular (not round) so it locks in place under load.
- Play sand: Washed, rounded grains. Safe for sandboxes and recreational areas. More expensive because it is screened and cleaned.
- Utility / bank run: Raw, unprocessed. Cheapest option for large-volume fill projects where quality does not matter.
Key Takeaways
- Concrete sand: coarse, angular, for mixes and bedding
- Mason sand: fine, screened, for mortar and stucco
- Paver bedding sand must be angular (not round)
How Deep Should Sand Be?
Sand depth varies from 1 inch for paver bedding to 6+ inches for base fill and leveling.
- Paver bedding: 1 inch (screeded level before laying pavers)
- Pipe bedding: 4-6 inches below pipe + 6 inches above
- Leveling / grading: 2-4 inches (compacted in lifts)
- Sandbox: 12-18 inches deep minimum
- Under concrete slab: 2-4 inches over compacted gravel base
- Masonry / mortar joints: Measured by bag count, not depth
A 10 x 20 ft paver patio at 1" depth needs about 0.62 cubic yards (0.8 tons) of bedding sand.
Key Takeaways
- Paver bedding: 1" deep
- Pipe bedding: 4-6" below + 6" above pipe
- Sandbox: 12-18" minimum depth
Sand Delivery & Ordering Tips
Calculate sand needed: Length (ft) x Width (ft) x Depth (in) / 12 / 27 = cubic yards. Then multiply by 1.3-1.4 to convert to tons.
- Minimum delivery: Most suppliers require 1-2 ton minimum ($50-$150 delivery fee)
- Full truck load: 10-22 tons depending on truck size (best per-ton pricing)
- Pickup truck load: About 1 ton safely (check your truck's payload rating)
- Bagged sand: 50 lb bags from hardware stores cost $4-$8 each ($160-$320/ton), only practical for very small jobs
- Wet vs. dry: Damp sand weighs 10-15% more per cubic yard than dry. Order by volume or specify dry weight to avoid paying for water.
Key Takeaways
- Formula: L x W x Depth(in) / 12 / 27 = cubic yards
- Multiply cubic yards x 1.3-1.4 for tons
- Bagged sand costs 5-10x more per ton than bulk
How to Use This Calculator
Select your sand type
Choose from fill sand, mason sand, concrete sand, paver bedding sand, play sand, or utility sand. Each type has a different weight per cubic yard and price range.
Enter your area dimensions
Input the length and width of the area in feet. For irregular shapes, break them into rectangles and add the results together.
Set the sand depth
Enter depth in inches. Paver bedding needs 1 inch, leveling layers 2-4 inches, and base fill 4-6 inches.
Review tons, yards, and cost
See cubic yards, tons, and estimated cost including optional delivery. Order by the ton for consistency since moisture affects volume.
Sand Calculation Formulas
Cubic Yards = (Length x Width x Depth/12) / 27
Tons = Cubic Yards x Weight Factor
Cost = Tons x Price per Ton + DeliveryWhere:
- Length, Width
- = Area dimensions in feet
- Depth
- = Sand depth in inches (divided by 12 to convert to feet)
- Weight Factor
- = 1.3-1.4 tons/cy depending on sand type and moisture
- 27
- = Cubic feet per cubic yard (3 x 3 x 3)
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many tons of sand do I need?
Calculate cubic yards first: (Length x Width x Depth in feet) / 27, then multiply by the weight factor for your sand type. Most sand weighs 1.3-1.4 tons per cubic yard. For example, a 20 x 10 ft area at 2 inches deep: (20 x 10 x 0.167) / 27 = 1.23 cy x 1.3 = 1.6 tons of fill sand.
How much does a ton of sand cost?
Sand prices depend on type: utility sand $10-25/ton, fill sand $15-30/ton, concrete sand $25-40/ton, mason sand $25-45/ton, and play sand $30-50/ton. Delivery adds $50-150 depending on distance. Bulk orders (5+ tons) get better per-ton pricing. Bagged sand from hardware stores costs $4-8 per 50 lb bag, which works out to $160-320/ton.
How much sand do I need under pavers?
Paver bedding requires exactly 1 inch of coarse, angular sand screeded flat before laying pavers. For a 10 x 15 ft patio: (150 sq ft x 1"/12) / 27 = 0.46 cubic yards (about 0.6 tons). Use concrete sand or dedicated paver bedding sand. Do not use mason sand or play sand because the round grains shift under load and cause pavers to settle unevenly.
What is the difference between concrete sand and mason sand?
Concrete sand is coarser and more angular, made by crushing rock. It is used in concrete mixes, pipe bedding, and drainage applications. Mason sand is finer and smoother, screened to remove large particles. It is used in mortar, stucco, and as a finish sand. They are not interchangeable. Using mason sand in concrete weakens the mix, and using concrete sand in mortar makes it harder to work.
How much area does a ton of sand cover?
One ton of sand covers approximately 150 sq ft at 1 inch deep, 75 sq ft at 2 inches, or 50 sq ft at 3 inches. Coverage varies by sand type and moisture level. Wet sand weighs more per cubic yard, so a ton of wet sand covers slightly less area. Always order 5-10% extra to account for waste and uneven ground.
How many cubic yards are in a ton of sand?
One ton of sand equals approximately 0.71-0.77 cubic yards. The conversion depends on the type: fill sand at 1.3 tons/cy means 1 ton = 0.77 cy. Concrete sand at 1.35 tons/cy means 1 ton = 0.74 cy. Utility sand at 1.4 tons/cy means 1 ton = 0.71 cy. Moisture content affects weight, so damp sand yields fewer cubic yards per ton than dry sand.
Can I use sand as a base under a concrete slab?
Sand alone is not a good sub-base for concrete slabs. The standard practice is a 4-6 inch layer of compacted gravel (crushed stone), then an optional 2 inch sand leveling layer on top. Sand without gravel underneath can shift and erode, especially when wet. If you only use sand, the slab is more likely to crack from uneven settling. Use our gravel calculator for the base layer and this sand calculator for the leveling course.
How deep should sandbox sand be?
A sandbox should have 12-18 inches of play sand for safe, comfortable play. Use only washed, tested play sand from a reputable supplier. For a standard 8 x 8 ft sandbox at 12 inches deep: (64 sq ft x 1 ft) / 27 = 2.37 cubic yards (about 3.1 tons). Add landscape fabric underneath to prevent weeds and improve drainage.
How many tons of sand fit in a dump truck?
A standard single-axle dump truck holds 10-14 tons of sand. A tandem (double-axle) truck holds 15-22 tons. A pickup truck can safely carry about 1 ton (check your payload rating). Full truckloads get the best per-ton pricing. Most suppliers require a 1-2 ton minimum for delivery.
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