Sand Calculator
Estimate area, volume, weight, and optional total cost for sand.
Inputs
Results
Step-by-step derivation
Enter values and click Calculate.
References
- Rectangle area:
A = L × W - Volume:
V = A × d - Weight:
W = ρ × V - Typical dry sand bulk density is often around
1600 kg/m³, but real values vary by moisture and compaction.
Use this Sand Calculator to estimate sand area, volume, weight, and optional material cost. Enter the project dimensions or known area, sand depth, density, and supplier price if needed.
Sand Calculation Method
Area = length × width
Volume = area × depth
Weight = volume × sand density
When pricing is entered:
Total cost = quantity × unit price
The quantity used for cost depends on whether your supplier charges by volume or by weight.
Example
Suppose an area is 5 m long, 3 m wide, and requires a 10 cm layer of sand. Use a density of 1,600 kg/m³.
Area = 5 × 3 = 15 m²
Depth = 10 cm = 0.10 m
Volume = 15 × 0.10 = 1.5 m³
Weight = 1.5 × 1,600 = 2,400 kg
The project therefore requires approximately 1.5 m³ or 2.4 tonnes of sand.
Important Notes
- Use the actual sand density supplied by your material supplier whenever possible.
- Bulk density can change with moisture, grain size, packing, and compaction.
- Loose sand may settle or compact after installation, so actual required quantity can differ from the calculated volume.
- For irregular areas, divide the project into smaller sections or enter the known total area.
- The cost estimate may not include delivery, loading, taxes, labour, or minimum-order charges.
- For engineered fill, drainage, trench bedding, or specification-controlled work, follow the project requirements rather than relying only on a general material estimate.