Sand Calculator | How Much Sand Do I Need? m³ & Tons
Sand calculator: enter length × width × depth to get m³, tonnage and cost. Includes dry / wet sand density presets.
How is sand calculated?
Sand quantity equals the excavation or fill volume. Volume = length × width × depth (or area × depth). Weight = volume × density. Dry sand is commonly ~1600 kg/m³; wet sand is heavier.
Steps
- Enter excavation or fill length, width and depth in meters.
- If you know the area, use area × depth; if you know volume, enter m³ directly.
- Pick dry, wet or compacted sand density (or enter kg/m³).
- Optionally add a ton, kg or m³ price.
- Read required m³, tonnage and estimated cost.
Sand densities (approx.)
Common guidance values used on site:
| Sand type | Density | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Dry sand | ≈ 1600 kg/m³ | General fill / mortar estimates |
| Wet sand | ≈ 1920 kg/m³ | Water fills voids between grains |
| Compacted sand | ≈ 1680 kg/m³ | Compacted ground |
Formula
Volume (m³) = length × width × depth. Weight (kg) = volume × density. 1 tonne of sand ≈ 1000 / density m³ (e.g. ≈ 0.625 m³ at 1600 kg/m³).
Practical tips
- Add about 5–10% for spread and waste when ordering.
- Wet sand is heavier than dry; clarify type for tonnage orders.
- 1 m³ dry sand ≈ 1.6 t; 1 t dry sand ≈ 0.62–0.63 m³.
Field note
Results are guidance only. Moisture, compaction and sand grade vary by supplier and site.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate sand?
Multiply length × width × depth for m³. For tons, multiply volume by density (dry sand ≈ 1600 kg/m³).
How many tons is 1 m³ of sand?
About 1.6 t for dry sand (1600 kg). Wet sand can be around 1.9 t per m³.
How many m³ is 1 ton of sand?
For dry sand ≈ 0.62–0.63 m³ (1000 ÷ 1600). Volume changes with density.
How much sand do I need?
Multiply the fill/excavation area by depth. Example: 12 m × 3 m × 0.5 m = 18 m³ of sand.
Is wet sand heavier?
Yes. Water fills voids between grains, so the same volume of wet sand weighs more than dry sand.