Sand Needed
0.83 tons
Area
200.0 sq ft
Cubic Yds
0.62
Cost
$33
0.83 tons
0.62
200.0 sq ft
$33
For paver base, you need 1 inch of sand per layer. For a 200 sq ft patio: 200 × (1/12) = 16.67 cu ft ÷ 27 = 0.62 cubic yards ≈ 0.92 tons of paver base sand.
Sand weighs about 1.3-1.5 tons per cubic yard depending on type and moisture. Dry sand: 1.35 tons/yd³, wet sand: 1.5-1.7 tons/yd³, play sand: 1.2 tons/yd³.
| Sand Type | Density (lbs/ft³) | Tons per yd³ | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Play sand | 90 | 1.22 | Sandboxes, volleyball courts |
| Paver base / concrete | 110 | 1.49 | Paver bedding, concrete mix |
| Fill sand | 100 | 1.35 | Backfill, grading, leveling |
| Masonry sand | 105 | 1.42 | Mortar mix, pool bases |
Use coarse concrete sand (also called paver base sand) for the base layer under pavers. Use polymeric sand or fine jointing sand for filling joints between pavers.
| Sand Type | Grain Shape | Best Use | Price per 50 lbs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete / paver base | Angular | Bedding layer | $4–$8 |
| Polymeric sand | Angular + polymer | Joint fill (hardens) | $20–$30 |
| Mason sand | Sub-angular | Mortar mix, leveling | $5–$10 |
| Play sand | Rounded | Sandboxes only | $4–$6 |
Sand bedding under pavers should be 1 inch deep after compaction. Start with 1.5 inches of loose sand, then screed and compact to 1 inch for a stable, level base.
Inputs
Result
Area = 20 × 10 = 200 sq ft. Volume = 200 × (1/12) = 16.67 cu ft. Cubic yards = 16.67 / 27 = 0.62. Tons = (16.67 × 110) / 2000 = 0.92 tons. Cost = 0.92 × $40 = $37.
Inputs
Result
Area = 8 × 8 = 64 sq ft. Volume = 64 × (6/12) = 32 cu ft. Cubic yards = 32 / 27 = 1.19. Tons = (32 × 90) / 2000 = 1.44 tons. Cost = 1.44 × $40 = $58.
Volume (cu ft) = Length × Width × (Depth / 12)Calculates volume in cubic feet from dimensions and depth in inches.
Where:
Length= Area length in feetWidth= Area width in feetDepth= Sand depth in inches (divided by 12 to convert to feet)Cubic Yards = Volume (cu ft) / 27Converts cubic feet to cubic yards for ordering.
Where:
27= Cubic feet in one cubic yardTons = (Volume × Density) / 2000Converts volume and density to US tons.
Where:
Density= Sand density in lbs per cubic foot (varies by type)2000= Pounds per US tonSand is sold by the ton or cubic yard. Calculate volume first (Length × Width × Depth), then convert to weight using the sand type density.
Different sand types have different densities and uses. Fill sand is for leveling, masonry sand for mortar mixes, paver base sand for hardscaping, and play sand for sandboxes.
Order 10-15% extra sand to account for compaction, waste, and uneven surfaces.
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Last Updated: Mar 9, 2026
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