Enter the total length, width, and depth of the area you are filling with sand to determine the total volume and weight of sand needed as well as the cost and number of bags.
Sand Calculator Formula
The following formula is used by the calculator above to calculate the total weight of sand used to fill a space. To calculate the weight of sand needed, multiply the length, width, thickness, and density together.
m = L * W * T * D
- Where m is the weight/mass
- L is the length
- W is the width
- T is the thickness/depth
- and D is the density (typically 100 lbs per cubic foot)
Further information can be determined once the weight of the sand is known. For example, the total cost can be calculated with the following formula.
C = m * p/m
- Where C is the total cost ($)
- m is the total weight
- p/m is the cost per unit weight
How much does sand weight?
The most commonly referenced density for sand is 100 lbs per cubic foot. This is not an exact density as that would vary based on grain size, but in general, it can be used for measures of +/- 5% accuracy. To be safe when purchasing sand, order around 5% more than you think you need.
How much sand do i need?
The following example is a step-by-step guide on how to determine how much sand you need in order to fill a given space. For this example, we will assume you are building a sandpit for your children to play in.
- First, the length and width need to be measured. We will assume you measure these dimensions and find them to be 10 FT and 15 FT respectively.
- Next, you need to measure the depth of the pit. You find, after some climbing, that the depth is 2 FT.
- Now, using a density of 100 lbs per cubic meter, enter the information into the calculator above to find 10 FT * 15 FT *2 FT * 100 lbs/FT = 30,000lbs.
- Finally, the last step is to determine how much this will cost you. At $.25 per pound, we wind that the total cost will come to $7,500.00
