How Much Does Sand Cost Per Ton?

The short answer

Bulk sand prices typically range from $15 to $40 per ton, depending on the type and your location. Concrete sand and fill sand are the most affordable, while mason sand and play sand cost more. Bagged sand from home centers can run $80 to $150 per ton equivalent, making bulk delivery the better deal for projects needing a cubic yard or more.

Key takeaways

Bulk saves money: Buying by the ton from a landscape supply yard can cut your sand costs in half compared to bags.
Type dictates price: Sharp concrete sand is cheap; fine mason sand and sterile play sand carry premiums.
Distance matters: Delivery charges depend on miles from the quarry and can be more than the sand itself.
Estimate carefully: Use our sand calculator to avoid ordering too little or overpaying for excess.

Whether you’re mixing concrete, laying a paver patio, or filling a sandbox, sand is a basic building block. But pricing can be confusing because sand is sold by the ton, by the cubic yard, or by the bag. This guide breaks down sand prices per ton for common types, how to estimate what you need, and the smartest way to buy to keep your project on budget.

What Is the Average Cost of Sand Per Ton by Type?

Bulk sand prices vary by grain size, cleanliness, and intended use. The bullet list below outlines typical per-ton price ranges for popular sand types, delivered from a local supplier. Use our sand calculator to convert tons to cubic yards for better price comparisons.

Concrete sand: $15 to $25 per ton. Coarse, washed sand ideal for mixing concrete, bedding pipes, and laying pavers.
Mason sand: $25 to $45 per ton. Finer and cleaner sand for mortar, stucco, and pool plaster.
Play sand: $40 to $60 per ton. Washed and screened for safety in sandboxes and playgrounds.
Fill sand: $10 to $20 per ton. Unscreened sand, often with clay, for backfilling and leveling.
River sand: $20 to $35 per ton. Smooth-grained sand for landscaping, drainage, and topdressing.

How Do I Calculate How Many Tons of Sand I Need?

Ordering the right amount prevents multiple deliveries or leftover piles. Converting your project dimensions to tons takes a few simple steps. Our sand calculator does the math for you.

Measure the area in feet: length × width × depth (in inches, then divide by 12 to get feet).
Calculate cubic feet: multiply the corrected depth times length times width.
Get cubic yards: divide cubic feet by 27.
Convert to tons: multiply cubic yards by the sand’s weight, usually 1.3 tons per cubic yard for dry sand. For moist sand, use 1.5 tons.

What Factors Influence Sand Prices Per Ton?

Beyond the base price, several factors can raise your final per-ton cost. Understanding these helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises. Similar cost drivers apply to gravel orders.

Sand type: Fine, washed sands like mason or play sand cost more to process than coarse fill sand.
Moisture content: Wet sand weighs more, so a ton might contain less actual material and can carry a small surcharge.
Delivery distance: The farther you are from the supplier, the more you’ll pay per ton for hauling. Short hauls might cost $5 per ton; long hauls can be $15 or more.
Quantity ordered: Most suppliers offer price breaks for full truckloads (20+ tons). Small loads have higher per-ton rates.

How Much Extra Sand Should I Order for Waste and Compaction?

Sand compacts and spills, so ordering exactly the calculated volume often leaves you short. Adding a buffer prevents last-minute shortages and keeps the project moving. Recalculate easily with the sand calculator.

Standard overage: Add 5 to 10 percent for typical landscaping or fill projects.
Compaction factor: For pavers or structural fill, allow 10 to 15 percent extra because sand compresses under load.
Irregular areas: Curved or sloped spaces waste more sand during placement; add up to 20 percent.
Bagged waste: Spillage from torn bags and incomplete emptying can waste 2 to 5 percent.

Which Type of Sand Should I Use for My Project?

Sand isn’t one-size-fits-all. The right grain size, shape, and cleanliness affect performance and price. For drainage layers, consider gravel as well.

Concrete sand: Angular grains, low silt. Best for concrete mixes and mortar. Around $15 to $25 per ton.
Mason sand: Finer and cleaner, for mortar, stucco, and pool plaster. Typically $25 to $45 per ton.
Play sand: Washed and screened safe; kids’ sandboxes. $40 to $60 per ton or $5 to $8 per 50-lb bag.
Fill sand: Unscreened, sometimes with clay. For leveling and backfill. $10 to $20 per ton.
River sand: Smooth grains, for landscaping and drainage. $20 to $35 per ton.

Should I Buy Sand in Bulk or by the Bag?

Bagged sand is convenient for small jobs, but the per-ton cost skyrockets. Bulk delivery wins for anything more than a few wheelbarrow loads. For tiny repairs, use our bagged concrete calculator.

Bulk sand: Ordered by the ton or cubic yard, delivered loose. Prices range from $15 to $40 per ton plus delivery. You’ll need a place for the pile.
Bagged sand: Typically sold in 50-pound bags at $4 to $7 each. That’s $160 to $280 per ton equivalent, five to ten times bulk prices.
When bags make sense: For small repairs, filling sandboxes, or when you can’t accept a dump truck delivery.
Minimum orders: Many suppliers have a 2 to 5 ton minimum for delivery, which may not be practical for tiny projects.

Concrete Sand	Mixing concrete, paver bedding, pipe	$15–25/ton	N/A (rarely bagged)
Mason Sand	Mortar, stucco, plaster	$25–45/ton	$160–220/ton
Play Sand	Sandboxes, playgrounds	$40–60/ton	$200–280/ton
Fill Sand	Backfill, leveling	$10–20/ton	N/A
River Sand	Landscaping, drainage	$20–35/ton	$180–240/ton

Questions this page answers

How many tons of sand are in a cubic yard?

A cubic yard of dry sand weighs about 1.3 tons. Moist sand can weigh up to 1.5 tons per cubic yard. Multiply cubic yards by 1.3 to get a close ton estimate.

What is the cheapest type of sand?

Fill sand is typically the cheapest, ranging from $10 to $20 per ton. It is unscreened and may contain clay or debris, so it’s best for backfill or leveling, not for concrete or play areas.

Can I pick up sand myself to save delivery fees?

Yes, many suppliers allow customer pickups if you have a truck or trailer. However, most bulk sand is loaded with a skid steer or conveyor, so your vehicle must handle the weight and a full cubic yard (about 1.3 tons).

Is bagged sand better quality than bulk?

Not necessarily. Bagged sand is often the same material from the same quarry but packaged for retail. Bulk sand from a reputable supplier can be just as clean and consistent, especially if you specify a grade like mason or concrete sand.

How do I calculate sand for a paver base?

Multiply the patio’s length, width, and base depth (typically 4 to 6 inches) in feet, then divide by 27 for cubic yards. Convert to tons by multiplying by 1.3. Our sand calculator automates this and accounts for compaction.

Why does sand price vary so much by location?

Sand is heavy and expensive to transport. Prices reflect the distance from the quarry, local mining costs, and regional demand. Coastal areas with limited sand resources may see higher prices than inland areas with abundant deposits.

What is the difference between mason sand and concrete sand?

Mason sand is finer and washed free of silt and clay, making it smooth and ideal for mortar. Concrete sand is coarser with angular grains that bind well in concrete mixes but feel gritty. Choose based on your project’s needs.

Do I need to factor in sand compaction when ordering?

Yes, especially for structural fill or paver bases. Sand compacts by 5 to 15 percent under pressure. Add this percentage to your calculated volume to ensure you have enough after tamping.

Whether you need a truckload or a few bags, knowing sand prices per ton helps you compare costs and order efficiently. For most bulk projects, budget $15 to $40 per ton delivered, and always add 5 to 10 percent extra for waste. Use our free sand calculator to get an exact estimate for your project, or explore our other materials calculators to plan your full job.