How much sand do I need for a 15 × 10 ft area, 2 inches deep?
For the worked example (15 × 10 ft area, 2 in deep, 0.5 cu ft bags) the material list is Sand: 1.02 yd³ (calculated 0.926 yd³ before allowance, based on 2 in deep, 10% extra allowance). Quantities to buy are whole units rounded up from the calculated amounts. Enter your own measurements in the calculator above for your exact list.
How to use this calculator
- Measure the length and width of the area, or enter the area if you know it.
- Enter the depth of sand you need.
- Keep or change the 10% extra allowance.
- If you are buying bags, enter the bag volume printed on the bag.
- Only turn on weight if you have a density from your supplier.
How this is calculated
- Volume (cu ft) = length × width × depth (ft), with depth in inches ÷ 12
- With allowance = volume × (1 + allowance ÷ 100)
- Cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27
- Bags = round up (cubic feet ÷ bag volume)
- Weight (optional) = cubic yards × the density you enter
Geometry is deterministic. Material coverage, density, installation waste and product yield can vary. We expose those assumptions so you can replace them with the values printed on the products you are actually buying. Treat every result as an estimate. Items on your list are labelled Calculated (straight from your measurements) or Estimated (depends on an assumption), and “Buy” quantities are whole units rounded up.
Sources
No third-party figure is built into this calculator. Quantities come from geometry and from the values you can see and edit under “Assumptions” below, each labelled by where it comes from.
Last reviewed: . See the methodology.
Assumptions
These starting values are used until you change them. They are typical, not universal. Check the label on the product you are buying.
| Assumption | Starting value | Where it comes from |
|---|---|---|
| Cubic feet in a cubic yard | 27 | Mathematical – 3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft |
| Inches in a foot | 12 | Mathematical – Depth in inches ÷ 12 gives feet |
| Extra allowance | 10% | Common planning default |
| Bag volume (optional) | You enter it | You enter it (product / supplier) |
Worked example
A 15 × 10 ft area, 2 in deep, 10% extra allowance, 0.5 cu ft bags:
- Sand: 1.02 yd³ (or 55 × 0.5 cu ft bags) · 2 in deep, 10% extra allowance
Common questions
How much does a cubic yard of sand weigh?
It depends on the sand and its moisture. That is why weight is off by default and needs a density that you enter, ideally from your supplier.
Why add 10%?
It is an editable planning allowance for settling and uneven ground, not a rule. Set it to 0 if you prefer the exact geometric volume.
Does this tell me what type of sand to buy?
No. Sand type depends on the job (play area, bedding, mortar mix). Follow the guidance for your project.
Guides
- How Much Sand Do I Need?Area, depth and allowance turned into cubic yards or bags of sand.
- How Many Pavers Do I Need for a Patio?Patio area, paver size and waste turned into a paver count.
- How Much Bedding Sand Do I Need Under Pavers?Bedding layer volume from area and depth, in yards and bags.
- Gravel Tons vs Cubic Yards: Which Number Should You Order?Why a cubic yard of gravel has no single weight.