How Much Does a Yard of Sand Weigh?
A cubic yard of sand weighs between 2,600 and 2,700 lbs depending on the type. Here is the complete weight breakdown for all common sand types.
🧮Sand Calculator — tons, cubic yards, and 50 lb bags
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Weight by sand type
| Sand type | Lbs per cu yd | Tons per cu yd |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose / fill | 2,700 lbs | 1.35 tons |
| Paver / leveling | 2,700 lbs | 1.35 tons |
| Play sand | 2,600 lbs | 1.30 tons |
| Mason sand | 2,600 lbs | 1.30 tons |
Source: Landscape supply industry standards. Dry weight. Saturated sand can weigh significantly more.
Weight by volume
| Volume | All-purpose sand | Play sand |
|---|---|---|
| 0.5 cu yd | 1,350 lbs | 1,300 lbs |
| 1.0 cu yd | 2,700 lbs | 2,600 lbs |
| 2.0 cu yd | 5,400 lbs | 5,200 lbs |
50-lb bag reference
| Bags (50 lb) | Volume | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| 10 bags | 0.19 cu yd | 500 lbs |
| 27 bags | 0.50 cu yd | 1,350 lbs |
| 54 bags | 1.00 cu yd | 2,700 lbs |
Coverage per 50-lb bag
| Depth | Coverage per bag |
|---|---|
| 1 inch | 6 sq ft |
| 2 inches | 3 sq ft |
| 4 inches | 1.5 sq ft |
Use the Sand Calculator to get exact tons and bag counts for your paver base, sandbox, or fill project.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a cubic yard of sand weigh?
All-purpose and paver sand weigh about 2,700 lbs (1.35 tons) per cubic yard. Play sand and mason sand are slightly lighter at about 2,600 lbs (1.30 tons) per cubic yard.
How many 50-lb bags of sand are in a cubic yard?
There are 54 bags of 50 lb sand in a cubic yard. Each 50 lb bag yields 0.50 cubic feet, and 27 ÷ 0.50 = 54.
How much does a 50-lb bag of sand cover?
A 50 lb bag of sand covers about 6 square feet at 1 inch deep. At 2 inches deep it covers about 3 square feet.
Is sand heavier than gravel?
Sand and most gravel types are similar in density. Typical sand weighs 1.30–1.35 tons/cu yd; pea gravel and crushed stone are about 1.35–1.40 tons/cu yd. Crushed limestone is heavier at 1.50 tons/cu yd.