Sand Calculator: How Much Sand Do I Need?

Sand isn’t just for playgrounds—it’s also perfect for all kinds of hardscape projects. Whether you’re laying a paver patio, driveway, or walkway or installing an above-ground pool, this sand calculator helps you know how much sand you need for your project.

How Much Sand Do I Need for My Project? 

Using your project’s square footage and assuming a sand depth of one inch, you can reference the following table to estimate how much sand you’ll need, plus the average cost. 

How to Calculate Sand Needs

Using the dimensions of the area you want to cover, apply the following formulas to determine how much sand you need.

For rectangular or square-shaped spaces:

Sand Needed (in cubic yards) = [Length x Width x (Depth in inches / 12)] / 27

For round spaces:

Sand Needed (in cubic yards) = Radius squared x 3.14 x 0.167 x 0.037

How to Measure Space for Sand 

Measuring the area of the space you plan to lay sand is a relatively simple formula, but it varies depending on the project. 

How to Measure Patios or Driveways for Sand

If you’re laying pavers or installing sand under concrete for rectangular or square-shaped spaces, here are the steps for measuring the area for sand:

• With your measuring tape, measure the length, width, and depth of the space.

• Break down the shapes into rectangles and add the calculations for irregularly-shaped yards.

• Since the depth is in inches, you’ll need to convert it to feet by dividing the number by 12. Most patios and driveways require a 1-inch layer of sand spread across the area.

• Multiply the three measurements together.

• Divide the number by 27 to get the cubic yards.

• Be sure to round to the next highest number when calculating to avoid having too little sand. To be on the safe side and account for spills, consider multiplying your total by 5%.

How to Measure Pools for Sand

If you’re installing a circular, above-ground pool and need to lay a base of sand, your measurements will differ and be more challenging. Follow these steps to adjust accordingly:

• Use your measuring tape to measure the diameter of the pool.

• Divide the diameter by 2 to get the radius.

• Calculate the depth of the sand you’ll need. If you’re laying a sand base for a pool, most sand bases require a 2- to 3-inch layer of sand.

• Convert the depth to feet by dividing the depth by 12. A depth of 2 inches would be 0.167 feet, for example.

• Multiply π (3.14) times the pool’s radius squared times the depth in feet. This gives you the area in square feet.

• Multiply that number by 0.037 to get the area of the foundation in cubic yards.

• Round to the next highest number when calculating to avoid having too little sand. And consider multiplying your total by 5% to account for spills.

Who to Hire to Lay Sand

If calculating how much sand you need, rolling up your sleeves, and manually installing sand isn’t on your to-do list, knowing who to hire to lay sand in your yard can make this a quick project. Typically, a landscaping company near you is your best option for a professional sand installation.