How it’s calculated
Example: a 10 ft × 10 ft area, 2 in deep = 100 × (2/12) = 16.67 ft³ = 0.617 yd³. With 10% extra: 0.679 yd³. At 1.25 tons/yd³ that is 0.85 tons (about 1,700 lb).
Dry loose sand weighs about 90–95 lb/ft³ (2,400–2,600 lb/yd³). Damp sand bulks up and wet sand is heavier, so ask your yard how they sell it.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a cubic yard of sand weigh?
About 2,400–2,600 lb (1.2–1.3 US tons) for dry loose sand, more when wet.
How much sand do I need for pavers?
Typically a 1 in bedding layer: 100 ft² × (1/12) ft = 8.3 ft³ ≈ 0.31 yd³, roughly 0.4 tons. Joint sand is extra.
How many bags of play sand fill a sandbox?
A 5 × 5 ft box filled 8 in deep holds 25 × (8/12) = 16.7 ft³. Divide that by the cubic feet (or weight ÷ about 95 lb/ft³) printed on the bag.
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Sources
- Maintenance Manual Vol. 1, Appendix: Useful Information (weights of sand) — California Department of Transportation (Caltrans)
- NIST Handbook 44, Appendix C: Units of Measurement — U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology
Formulas are taken from the free public references above. Results are provided “as is” for informational and educational purposes only. See our disclaimer.
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