Sand calculator for Hawaii
Get mason or washed sand amounts in cubic yards and tons, with depth guidance based on the job.
Enter your project dimensions
For each cubic yard, dry sand is about 2,700 lb, or 1.35 tons. After rain, wet sand may reach 3,200 lb, so it is harder to move even when the ordered amount is unchanged. Use this calculator to turn area and depth into yards and tons for mason and washed sand. Depth varies by use, from a 1-inch paver setting bed to a 6-inch sandbox.
Sand calculations
- Use feet to measure the area. For circular areas such as pools and fire pits, enter the diameter and select circle mode.
- Choose the depth called for by the work, rather than estimating. The list below gives the depths.
- Divide cubic feet by 27 to get cubic yards. For dry-sand tons, multiply yards by 1.35.
Recommended depth for each job
- Paver bedding needs 1 inch of coarse sand, screeded level. Added depth can lead to paver movement. The Paver Sand Calculator explains the full base setup.
- For a sandbox, use washed sand at 6 inches deep. An 8 x 8 box needs about 1.2 yards, or 1.6 tons.
- Use 2 inches of mason sand below an above-ground pool. Screed it flat and keep stones away from the liner.
- For lawn leveling, blend a quarter to a half inch of sand into the soil. On heavy red clay, a separate sand layer can prevent roots from crossing through.
- For typical mortar and concrete mixes, allow a ton of sand for 7 to 8 bags of cement and use the specified mix ratio.
Sand coverage and weight
| Depth | 1 cubic yard covers | 1 ton covers |
|---|---|---|
| 1 inch | 324 sq ft | ≈ 240 sq ft |
| 2 inches | 162 sq ft | ≈ 120 sq ft |
| 3 inches | 108 sq ft | ≈ 80 sq ft |
| 6 inches | 54 sq ft | ≈ 40 sq ft |
| Project | Typical size | Depth | Volume | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paver bedding layer | 20 x 15 ft patio | 1" | 0.9 yd³ | 1.3 tons |
| Kids' sandbox | 8 x 8 ft | 6" | 1.2 yd³ | 1.6 tons |
| Above-ground pool base | 15 ft round | 2" | 1.1 yd³ | 1.5 tons |
| Volleyball court refresh | 30 x 60 ft | 2" | 11.1 yd³ | 15 tons |
| Lawn leveling blend | ≈ 500 sq ft | 0.5" | 0.8 yd³ | 1 tons |
Choosing mason or washed sand
Mason sand is finely screened for mortar, paver joints, pool bases, and other work that calls for a smooth, even grain. Washed sand has clay and silt rinsed out, making it suitable for bedding, sandboxes, and mixes. Both weigh the same by the yard, so either selection produces the same calculator result. Mason sand is a common choice under pools because it levels cleanly.
Bag totals for price comparison
A 50 lb bag contains about half a cubic foot, and a cubic yard comes to 54 bags. At 1 inch deep, each bag spreads over roughly 6 square feet. For a 300-square-foot bedding area, that is 25 store bags or one skid-free tipped ton from us, delivered free. Tarp sand at the jobsite, especially during rain. A saturated pile does not screed well and can weigh a fifth more per shovel.
Sand for mortar and concrete
For on-site mixing, use the 3:2:1 concrete proportion of stone, sand, and cement. It uses about a ton of sand for each 7-8 bags of cement. Mortar for a 100-block wall uses roughly a third of a ton of mason sand. Use washed sand in concrete and mason sand for mortar. On structural pours beyond a yard or two, compare ready-mix pricing with the DIY calculation before giving up your weekend.
Common sand amount questions
How much sand is required?
What is the weight of a yard of sand?
How many 50 lb bags equal one yard of sand?
How much sand is needed for a sandbox?
Which sand should go below an above-ground pool?
Which sand works for paver bedding and joints?
Do you sell sand by ton or by yard?
Other calculators
Two sand types with free delivery.
Mason and washed sand are available by the ton, with free delivery across Hawaii.
