Sand Calculator

Sand is sold by the ton in bulk or in 50 lb bags. Enter your area and depth to see the tons needed, the equivalent bag count, and an estimated cost. Paver bedding is usually a 1-inch layer over a compacted base. Prices are national ranges — get a local quote before buying bulk.

Estimate your sand

Showing a default 20 × 20 ft area at 1" deep. Enter your own numbers below.

By project

Sand cost breakdown

Bulk sand (per ton)

$25–$55 per ton; masonry and washed paver sand cost more than plain fill sand.

Bagged sand (50 lb)

$4–$8 per bag. A ton is about 40 bags — bulk is far cheaper past a small job.

Delivery

$50–$120 per load for bulk, often with a minimum order.

Polymeric sand (for joints)

$20–$40 per bag — used to lock paver joints, separate from bedding sand.

Buying & spec guide

• Use the right sand: coarse concrete/paver sand for bedding, mason sand for smooth joints, polymeric sand to lock paver joints.
• Paver bedding is a screeded 1-inch layer over a compacted gravel base — not a thick cushion.
• Dry sand runs ~2,700 lb/yd³ (≈1.35 tons); wet sand is heavier, so buy from covered stock when you can.
• A ton of sand is about 40 bags of 50 lb — bulk delivery wins on any real project.
• Don't use sand as a base you can build up — compact a gravel base first, then a thin sand setting bed.

Frequently asked questions