Sand Calculator
Calculate sand volume, weight and bags for bedding, screed or fill.
Please note: Material estimates for planning only. Always confirm quantities against your drawings, local building codes and supplier specifications before ordering. Structural work requires a qualified engineer.
What the Sand Calculator does
Sand quantity is area times depth times bulk density. It is sold by tonne in bulk or by bag for small jobs, and the calculator gives both so you can compare supply routes.
Formula
Volume = Length × Width × Depth × (1 + Waste %)Weight = Volume × DensityBags = ⌈Weight ÷ Bag size⌉
Inputs explained
| Input | Unit | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | number | Yes | Accepts more than 0. |
| Length unit | one of 6 options | Yes | — |
| Width | number | Yes | Accepts more than 0. |
| Width unit | one of 6 options | Yes | — |
| Depth | number | Yes | Accepts more than 0. |
| Depth unit | one of 5 options | Yes | — |
| Sand density | kg/m³ | Yes | Accepts 100 or more. |
| Waste allowance | % | Yes | — |
| Bag size | kg | Yes | Accepts 1 or more. |
| Price per tonne | selected currency | Optional | Accepts 0 or more. |
| Currency | one of 10 options | Optional | — |
How to use it
- Choose Length unit and Width unit.
- Enter Length, Width, Depth and Sand density and 2 more.
- Optionally add Price per tonne.
- Select Calculate.
Worked example
A 6 m × 4 m bed at 50 mm depth, 1,600 kg/m³, 10% waste, 25 kg bags.
- Length
- 6 m
- Width
- 4 m
- Depth
- 50 mm
- Density
- 1600
Volume 1.2 m³, with waste 1.32 m³ → 2,112 kg = 2.11 tonnes = 85 bags.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between building and sharp sand?
Building sand is fine and soft, suited to mortar. Sharp sand is coarse and gritty, used in concrete and screed where strength matters.