Sand calculator
Enter the length, width, and depth of the area you are covering. This tool estimates tons of dry construction sand, commonly used as paver bedding or a leveling layer, and includes a 10 percent waste allowance.
Your dimensions
Tons needed
0.5
Estimated cost: $9 to $21
Prices are typical ranges as of June 2026. Your local price will vary.
Assumptions
- •Uses a typical loose bulk density of 100 lb per cubic foot for dry construction sand.
- •Estimates dry material; wet or packed sand weighs more per cubic foot.
- •Price range is a typical bulk yard/quarry range and excludes delivery fees.
Questions this calculator answers
How much sand do I need for a 10 by 10 foot patio at 1 inch of bedding sand?
About half a ton (0.5 tons) including a 10 percent waste allowance. That is 100 square feet times 1 inch of depth, or 8.3 cubic feet, divided by 27 to get 0.31 cubic yards, times about 1.35 tons per cubic yard for dry sand at 100 pounds per cubic foot.
How deep should paver bedding sand be?
1 inch is standard for paver bedding sand, compacted and screeded flat before the pavers go down. Deeper layers can shift and settle unevenly under foot traffic.
Is bedding sand the same as polymeric jointing sand?
No. Bedding sand goes underneath pavers to create a level, compactable base. Jointing sand fills the gaps between pavers afterward and is usually a separate, finer product; this calculator estimates the bedding layer.
Does wet sand weigh more than dry sand?
Yes, noticeably. Wet sand can weigh 20 percent or more above dry sand due to trapped water. This calculator uses a dry-sand density, so order slightly more if your sand will sit outside and absorb moisture before use.
Can I use this calculator for a sandbox?
Yes. Enter the sandbox length, width, and how deep you want the sand layer, and the calculator estimates the tons needed the same way it does for paver bedding.