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Sand Calculator

Calculate tons, cubic yards, truck loads, and cost for mason sand, concrete sand, play sand, and fill sand.

Mason Sand Needed (with 10% waste)

3.53 tons

2.72 cubic yards

Volume (net)66.67 ft³
Cubic yards (net)2.47 CY
With 10% waste2.72 CY
Weight3.53 tons
Truck loads (10 CY)1 loads
Truck loads (14 CY)1 loads
Estimated Cost$106
info

Danny Reeves:Fill sand is the cheapest but don't use it under a slab — it doesn't compact right. Concrete sand (also called sharp sand or washed sand) is what you want for base material. Mason sand is the fine stuff for mortar and between pavers.

Methodology

Volume = length × width × (depth in inches ÷ 12). Cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27. Tons = cubic yards × density (tons per cubic yard). Density varies by sand type: mason sand 1.3 t/CY, concrete sand 1.35 t/CY, play sand 1.4 t/CY, fill sand 1.5 t/CY. Default costs reflect 2026 national averages for bulk delivery. Always add 5–10% for waste, spillage, and settling. Truck load capacity based on standard 10 CY and 14 CY dump trucks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of sand goes under pavers?
Use concrete sand (also called coarse sand or washed sand) as a base layer under pavers, typically 1 inch thick after compaction. For the joints between pavers, use mason sand or polymeric sand. Never use play sand or fill sand under pavers — they don't compact well and will shift over time, causing your pavers to settle unevenly.
How many tons of sand fit in a dump truck?
A standard single-axle dump truck holds about 10 cubic yards, which translates to roughly 13–15 tons of sand depending on the type and moisture content. A tandem-axle truck holds about 14 cubic yards (18–21 tons). Most suppliers price delivery per load, so it's cheaper per ton to fill the truck. If you only need a few tons, ask about "small load" or pickup options.
What is the difference between mason sand and play sand?
Mason sand and play sand are both fine-grained, but mason sand is screened and washed for consistency — it's used in mortar, stucco, and between pavers. Play sand is washed and screened for safety (no sharp particles) and is more expensive per ton because of the extra processing. For construction purposes, mason sand is the right choice. Play sand is only necessary for sandboxes and recreational areas.
How deep should a sand base be?
For pavers: 1 inch of bedding sand over a compacted gravel base. For above-ground pools: 2–3 inches of mason sand, leveled and compacted. For a sand base under a concrete slab: 4 inches of compacted concrete sand or washed sand is standard. For French drains and pipe bedding: 4–6 inches below the pipe and 2–4 inches above. Always compact sand in lifts — don't dump the full depth and try to compact it all at once.