How to use it
- Enter length in feet
- Enter width in feet
- Enter depth in inches
- Read cubic yards, tons and cubic feet results
What it does
Enter the length, width, and depth of the area you plan to fill. The calculator instantly returns three values: total cubic yards of sand, an approximate weight in US tons, and the equivalent cubic feet. Knowing cubic yards tells you how many truckloads to order; the ton estimate helps you verify that the delivery vehicle can handle the load; cubic feet is useful for comparing against material specs. The weight is derived by multiplying the cubic yard result by 1.3 US tons per cubic yard, a standard industry estimate. All results are shown with two decimal places, so you can round up for waste and avoid short‑changing your project. You can copy the numbers into your supplier quote or share them with your contractor for a precise order.
Pro tips
- Add 5‑10% extra for compaction and spillage.
- Round up the cubic yards to the nearest whole number before ordering.
- Check the truck’s payload rating against the ton estimate to avoid overload.
- Enter depth in inches; the tool converts it to feet internally, so double‑check the unit.
Real-life examples
- A homeowner preparing a new patio needs to know how many sand yards to order for the base layer.
- A contractor estimating material for a playground surface wants the sand weight to confirm equipment limits.
- A landscaper calculating sand for a raised garden bed wants cubic feet to match planting plan dimensions.
Case study
Maria wanted a 12 ft × 8 ft patio with a 2‑inch sand base. Using the calculator she saw she needed 0.44 cubic yards (≈0.57 tons) and 12 cubic feet, ordered 1 yard to cover waste, and completed the patio without extra trips.