Category: Calculators
Sand Calculator
Work out the sand volume and weight for a project
Enter the length, width and depth of an area to estimate the sand volume needed, and optionally the weight.
Length, width and depth must all use the same unit; the volume is in that unit cubed. Weight only appears once a density above zero is entered, in weight per that cubic unit.
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What this tool does
The calculator multiplies length by width by depth to get the volume, then adds your waste percentage for compaction and spillage. If you also enter the weight one volume unit of your sand weighs, the calculator multiplies the volume by that density to estimate the total weight.
How to use it
- Enter the length, width and depth in one consistent unit.
- Enter a waste percentage for compaction and spillage.
- Optionally enter the weight per volume unit for your sand.
- Read the volume needed, and the weight if you entered a density.
Privacy
This tool runs entirely in your browser. Your input is never uploaded, stored or shared — closing the tab removes it.
Frequently asked questions
- What unit should depth be in?
- The same unit as length and width; if you enter length and width in meters, enter depth in meters too, such as 0.05 for a 5 cm layer of paver sand, and the volume comes out in cubic meters.
- Where do I find the weight per volume?
- Suppliers usually state a density, such as '1.5 tonnes per cubic meter' or '2,700 lb per cubic yard'; enter that figure using the same cubic unit as the volume result.
- How much extra should I allow for compaction?
- 5 to 10% is typical for sand that will be compacted under pavers or in a sandbox; a wider margin helps if the base is uneven.