How this calculator works
It finds the volume of sand from your area and depth, converts to cubic yards, then to tons using a typical sand weight of about 1.35 tons per cubic yard.
Worked example — a 12 ft × 10 ft paver base at 1 inch:
120 × (1 ÷ 12) = 10 cubic feet → ÷ 27 = 0.37 cubic yards → about 0.5 tons.
120 × (1 ÷ 12) = 10 cubic feet → ÷ 27 = 0.37 cubic yards → about 0.5 tons.
How much sand under pavers?
A 1-inch bedding layer of sand is standard under pavers, on top of a compacted gravel base.
Frequently asked questions
How many tons of sand in a cubic yard?
About 1.35 tons for dry sand; wet sand weighs a little more.
What kind of sand goes under pavers?
Use coarse concrete or paver sand for bedding — not fine play sand.