Sand Calculator
Calculate sand volume and bags for a rectangular area at a chosen depth.
Last reviewed September 19, 2026
Result
Enter length and width to see the result.
https://calcgallery.com/landscaping/sand-calculator/
Results are estimates for planning only. Actual needs vary with site conditions, products and workmanship. Always confirm quantities with your supplier and follow local building codes and manufacturer instructions. Read the full disclaimer
How to use it
- Enter length and width, or a measured total area.
- Enter the finished loose depth you need.
- Enter the volume printed on one bag.
- Read bags for packaged material or the cubic-yard or cubic-metre volume for bulk delivery.
How it is calculated
Sand volume is area multiplied by depth:
Volume = area × depth
Bags = ceil(volume with allowance ÷ bag volume)The calculation converts every measurement to SI first, so feet with inches or metres with millimetres combine correctly.
Practical limits
This page intentionally does not turn volume into tonnes. A generic density can make a precise-looking answer that is wrong for wet or loosely graded sand. Bulk suppliers normally sell by volume or provide their own current conversion.
Confirm the material. Bedding sand, concrete sand and play sand are not interchangeable simply because their volumes match.
Measure average depth. On an uneven base, take several readings. The lowest spot often controls the order more than the nominal depth.
Plan for compaction deliberately. If the specified finished depth is compacted, use a supplier or project allowance rather than guessing one into the formula.
With your numbers
- Volume = 200 ft² × 2 in = 33.33 ft³
- With 0% extra = 33.33 ft³
- Rounded up to 34 bags
Quick reference
No extra is added by default. Use Custom if compaction, an uneven base or site losses mean you want a margin.
| Job | Bags to buy |
|---|---|
| 20 × 10 ft, 2 in deep | 34 |
| 100 ft², 1 in deep | 9 |
| 200 ft², 2 in deep | 34 |
| 12 × 15 ft, 1 in deep | 30 |
| 6 × 3 m, 50 mm deep | 36 |
| 25 m², 30 mm deep | 30 |
Common questions
- How much sand covers 20 ft by 10 ft at 2 in deep?
- The volume is 33.33 ft³, or about 1.235 yd³. That is 34 bags when each bag contains 1 ft³.
- Why is there no weight or tonnage?
- Sand bulk density changes materially with moisture, grading and compaction. This calculator stays with measured volume until a supplier-specific density is available.
- Does compacted depth equal loose delivery depth?
- Not necessarily. Compaction and moisture change the settled volume. Ask the supplier or project specification for an allowance and enter it as Custom.
- Can I use this for paver bedding?
- Yes for volume when you already know the bedding depth. The paver calculator also reports bedding sand alongside paver and base quantities.