Sand Calculator Formula
Understand the math behind the sand calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.
Formulas Used
Volume (Cubic Feet)
cubic_feet = length * width * depth_ftVolume (Cubic Yards)
cubic_yards = length * width * depth_ft / 27Weight (Tons)
tons = length * width * depth_ft / 27 * 1.35Variables
| Variable | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|
length | Length(feet) | 20 |
width | Width(feet) | 10 |
depth | Depth(inches) | 2 |
depth_ft | Derived value= depth / 12 | calculated |
How It Works
How to Calculate Sand Needed
Formula
Cubic Yards = (Length × Width × Depth in feet) / 27
Tons = Cubic Yards × 1.35
Sand weighs approximately 2,700 lbs (1.35 tons) per cubic yard. Weight varies with moisture content and sand type: dry sand is about 1.3 tons/cu yd, damp sand about 1.4 tons/cu yd.
Worked Example
A sandbox area 20 ft by 10 ft with 2 inches of sand.
length = 20width = 10depth = 2
- 01Depth in feet: 2 / 12 = 0.167 ft
- 02Volume = 20 × 10 × 0.167 = 33.33 cu ft
- 03Cubic yards = 33.33 / 27 = 1.23 cu yd
- 04Tons = 1.23 × 1.35 = 1.67 tons
Ready to run the numbers?
Open Sand Calculator