Construction/Home calculator
Sand Calculator - Volume, Tonnes and Cost
Estimate sand volume, tonnes, and material cost from length, width, depth, bulk density, waste, and price per tonne.
FormulaVolume = length x width x depth; tonnes = volume x density / 1000
Formula
Sand quantity estimate
Sand density and compaction vary by material, moisture, and supplier. Confirm quantities before ordering.
Volume = length x width x depth; tonnes = volume x density / 1000
5 m x 4 m x 0.10 m with 10% waste gives 2.2 cu m; at 1,600 kg/m3 this is 3.52 t.
SourcesThis calculator includes source notes, assumptions, and exclusions so the result is easier to verify before use.
Sources and assumptions
Source notes
This calculator includes source notes, assumptions, and exclusions so the result is easier to verify before use.
- Effective year
- Current rules
- Last verified
- 2026-06-18
Sand density and compaction vary by material, moisture, and supplier. Confirm quantities before ordering.
Assumptions
- Length and width are entered in meters, depth in centimeters.
- Density is entered as kilograms per cubic meter.
- Cost uses metric tonnes and price per tonne.
Not included
- Moisture content, compaction testing, excavation loss, delivery minimums, load rounding, labor, geotechnical suitability, and site access constraints.
FAQ6 common questions for this calculator.
FAQs
What density should I use for sand?+
Use the supplier's bulk density when available. The default is a planning value only.
Does the sand calculator include compaction?+
It includes only the waste percentage you enter. Add a larger allowance if compaction or settlement is expected.
How does the Sand Calculator calculate the result?+
For the Sand Calculator, it uses the Sand quantity estimate: Volume = length x width x depth; tonnes = volume x density / 1000. 5 m x 4 m x 0.10 m with 10% waste gives 2.2 cu m; at 1,600 kg/m3 this is 3.52 t.
What information do I need to use the Sand Calculator?+
For the Sand Calculator, enter length, width, depth, bulk density, waste, and price per tonne. Keep the units consistent with the calculator fields and compare your setup with the worked example on the page.
How accurate is the Sand Calculator?+
Sand Calculator is a material estimate based on the dimensions, unit system, and allowance values entered. It uses the Sand quantity estimate, but cuts, openings, site conditions, pack sizes, and code requirements can change the final quantity.
What should I check before using the Sand Calculator result?+
For the Sand Calculator, check length, width, depth, bulk density, waste, and price per tonne, unit system, waste allowance, openings, site conditions, and supplier pack size. Use the estimate as a planning quantity before ordering materials.
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How to use the Sand Calculator
Estimate sand volume, tonnes, and material cost from length, width, depth, bulk density, waste, and price per tonne. The page also explains the sand quantity estimate and shows a practical example: 5 m x 4 m x 0.10 m with 10% waste gives 2.2 cu m; at 1,600 kg/m3 this is 3.52 t.
- 1
Enter your details
Enter length, width, depth, bulk density, waste, and price per tonne, then complete any other fields shown in the calculator.
- 2
Check the calculation
Review the result alongside the sand quantity estimate: Volume = length x width x depth; tonnes = volume x density / 1000.
- 3
Compare scenarios
Change one or more inputs to see how they affect the sand Calculator result before you use the estimate.