How Much Does a Ton of Sand Cover?
How much does a ton of sand cover? A ton of dry sand is roughly 19 to 21 cubic feet, about 0.7 to 0.75 cubic yards. Spread 2 inches deep, that covers about 120 square feet. At 1 inch it covers about 240 square feet, and at 4 inches about 60 square feet. Damp sand and different sand types change the numbers somewhat, so add a margin.
Volume and tonnage calculator →Coverage by depth
These figures assume about 20 cubic feet per ton, typical of dry sand weighing around 100 pounds per cubic foot.
| Depth | Approximate coverage per ton |
|---|---|
| 1 inch | About 240 sq ft |
| 2 inches | About 120 sq ft |
| 3 inches | About 80 sq ft |
| 4 inches | About 60 sq ft |
| 6 inches | About 40 sq ft |
Why sand coverage varies
- Moisture: damp sand weighs more per cubic foot, so a ton covers a little less volume. Very wet sand can also bulk up and then settle.
- Grain size: coarse concrete sand and fine mason sand pack differently.
- Compaction: compacted sand takes up less space than loose sand from the truck.
For weight details, see how much a yard of sand weighs.
Common uses and depths
| Use | Typical depth |
|---|---|
| Paver bedding layer | About 1 inch, screeded |
| Under pool liners | About 2 inches |
| Leveling a sandbox | 6 to 12 inches or more |
| Top dressing lawns | 1/8 to 1/4 inch |
| Backfill around pipes | Varies by trench |
For pavers, sand is only the thin bedding layer over a thicker compacted base. See how much sand for pavers.
Sand types
- Concrete sand: coarse, drains well, often used for paver bedding.
- Mason sand: fine and smooth, used for mortar and sandboxes.
- Fill sand: less uniform, used to raise grade.
- Play sand: washed and screened for sandboxes.
Ask the supplier which is best for your project.
How to estimate tons of sand
- Measure length and width in feet and multiply for square feet.
- Multiply by depth in feet.
- Divide by about 20 to get tons, or divide by 27 for cubic yards.
- Add 5 to 10 percent for compaction and waste.
Example: a 12 by 16 foot patio bedding layer at 1 inch is 192 × 0.083 = about 16 cubic feet, or about 0.8 tons.
Compared with gravel
A ton of gravel typically covers a bit less volume than a ton of dry sand because gravel is often denser per cubic foot when packed. See how much a ton of gravel covers.
Buying and hauling tips
Sand is often sold by the ton at supply yards, sometimes by the yard. Small amounts are available in bags, usually 50 pounds each, so a ton is about 40 bags. Bulk delivery is usually cheaper for more than a ton or two. A half-ton pickup may carry around half a ton to a ton depending on its rated payload.
Bottom line
A ton of sand covers about 120 square feet at 2 inches deep and about 240 square feet at 1 inch. Moisture, sand type, and compaction shift the numbers, so add 5 to 10 percent. Divide your cubic feet by about 20 to estimate tons.
Questions people ask
How much does a ton of sand cover?
About 120 square feet at 2 inches deep and 240 square feet at 1 inch.
How many cubic yards are in a ton of sand?
About 0.7 to 0.75 cubic yards of dry sand.
How many 50-pound bags of sand make a ton?
Forty bags.
Does wet sand cover less?
A ton of damp sand covers slightly less volume because water adds weight.
How deep should paver sand be?
About 1 inch of bedding sand over a compacted base.
Related guides
- How Much Does a Yard of Sand Weigh? Dry vs. Wet Tons
- How Much Sand for Pavers? Bedding and Joint Sand
- How Much Does a Ton of Gravel Cover? Depth Chart
- Cubic Feet to Cubic Yards: Conversion and Examples
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