How this calculator works
Sand under pavers, a pool or a sandbox is a flat layer, so its volume is area times depth. Multiplying by bulk density converts that volume to the mass on the delivery ticket. Wet sand weighs more for the same volume because water fills the spaces between grains, which is why the wet and dry defaults differ by about 20%.
Formula
V = L × W × depth; m = V × (1 + waste%) × ρ. Dry sand ρ ≈ 100 lb/ft³ (1600 kg/m³); wet sand ρ ≈ 120 lb/ft³ (1920 kg/m³).
Worked example
A 10 × 12 ft paver base 2 in deep with 10% waste: 20.0 ft³ of sand, which is 2200 lb (1.10 US tons) when dry and 2640 lb (1.32 US tons) when wet.
Advertisement
Frequently asked questions
Does compaction change the amount I need?
Yes. Loose sand settles to roughly 80% of its loose depth once compacted. This tool asks for the finished compacted depth and adds waste; if your supplier quotes loose depth instead, start from the finished depth you want.
Why enter a density at all?
Sand is sold by weight at most yards but specified by volume on plans. Density links the two, and river sand, manufactured sand and masonry sand differ by several percent.
Does the waste allowance change the reported volume?
No. Waste is applied to the mass estimate, not to the volume. The volume describes the layer you measured.