How to use it
- Enter length in feet.
- Enter width in feet.
- Enter depth in inches.
- Read cubic yards, tons and cubic feet results.
Your Gravel Sand Calculator turns three simple measurements—length, width, depth—into the three quantities contractors quote: cubic yards, tons, and cubic feet. Knowing cubic yards tells you how many bulk bags to order; tons helps you compare pricing by weight; cubic feet is useful for small‑scale jobs or when a supplier quotes in feet. The tool first converts depth from inches to feet, multiplies by length and width to get volume in cubic feet, then divides by 27 for cubic yards. It multiplies cubic yards by 1.3 to give an approximate tonnage. For example, a 10 ft × 12 ft area at 4 in depth yields about 1.5 yd³, roughly 2 tons, or 40 ft³. Results appear instantly, so you can adjust dimensions and see the impact on material needs.
Pro tips
- Add 5‑10% extra for compaction and spillage.
- Round up to the nearest half‑yard for bulk orders.
- Order sand by weight if the supplier lists tons; use the ton estimate to verify.
- Double‑check depth conversion; 1 in = 0.0833 ft.
Real-life examples
- A homeowner preparing a 12 ft × 15 ft patio with a 3‑inch sand base.
- A landscaper estimating sand for a 200‑ft driveway drainage layer.
- A contractor sizing gravel sand for a 5‑inch trench under a new foundation.
Case study
Mike needed sand for a 10 ft × 20 ft patio at 4 in depth. Using the calculator he saw he required 2.2 yd³ (≈2.9 tons). He ordered 2.5 yd³, avoided a costly over‑order, and completed the job on budget.