Sand Calculator
Calculate how many cubic yards (or cubic metres) and tons of sand you need for any project. Enter the area and layer depth, or enter volume directly — the calculator converts cubic metres to tonnes and estimates the number of truck loads.
Surface area to be covered, in square metres
Thickness of the sand layer in centimetres
Sand type determines bulk density
Calculation formula
Weight = Volume × Bulk density
Volume V (m³) = Area (m²) × Depth (m). Weight (t) = V × Bulk density (t/m³). Number of trucks = Weight ÷ 10. Add 5–10% extra to account for compaction and settling.
About the sand calculator
This sand calculator lets you quickly estimate how much sand you need for any construction or landscaping job. Enter the area and layer thickness, and the tool converts the volume into tonnes based on the bulk density of your chosen sand type.
Bulk density varies by type: pit sand ≈ 1.50 t/m³, river sand and washed building sand ≈ 1.55 t/m³, dry sand ≈ 1.60 t/m³. Keep in mind that wet sand is noticeably heavier — moisture content can push the weight above 1.9–2.0 t/m³, so factor this in for winter or rainy-season deliveries.
Always order 5–10% more than the calculated amount to allow for compaction, settling, and minor waste. Truck loads are calculated based on a standard 10-tonne payload, rounded up to the nearest whole trip.
Why use this calculator
Accurate m³ to tonnes conversion
The calculator applies the correct bulk density for each sand type so your weight estimate is as accurate as possible.
Instant truck-load count
See immediately how many 10-tonne truck trips you need to deliver the material, saving time when placing orders.
Two input modes
Enter area plus layer depth, or enter volume directly — both modes lead to the same result.
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert cubic metres of sand to tonnes?
Multiply the volume in cubic metres by the bulk density of your sand type. For example, 5 m³ of pit sand (1.50 t/m³) = 7.5 tonnes. This calculator does the conversion automatically.
How many tonnes of sand are in 1 cubic metre?
It depends on the type: pit sand ≈ 1.50 t, river and washed building sand ≈ 1.55 t, dry sand ≈ 1.60 t per cubic metre. Wet sand can reach 1.9–2.0 t/m³.
What is the bulk density of sand?
Pit sand ≈ 1.50 t/m³, river sand ≈ 1.55 t/m³, washed building sand ≈ 1.55 t/m³, dry sand ≈ 1.60 t/m³. Moisture content significantly increases the weight.
How do I calculate how many trucks I need?
Divide the total weight in tonnes by the truck's payload. A standard 10-tonne truck load is used here; the calculator rounds up to the nearest whole trip automatically.
Which type of sand should I use for construction?
Washed building sand or pit sand suits concrete and mortar work. River sand is preferred for floor screeds and paving because it contains fewer impurities.
Should I order extra sand?
Yes — add 5–10% to the calculated volume. This covers compaction losses, settling, and any material wasted during installation.