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Sand Weight Calculator

Calculate sand weight instantly by volume or dimensions. Get accurate results for dry, wet, or packed sand with density conversions and weight estimates.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about sand weight.

Dry sand weighs approximately 100 pounds per cubic foot. Wet sand is denser at about 120 lb/ft³, while packed sand can reach 130 lb/ft³ due to reduced air pockets between grains.

First convert cubic yards to cubic feet by multiplying by 27 (since 1 yard = 3 feet in each dimension). Then multiply by the sand density—typically 100 lb/ft³ for dry sand, giving you 2,700 pounds per cubic yard.

Yes, wet sand weighs about 20% more than dry sand. The water fills air pockets between grains and adds mass, bringing the density from roughly 100 lb/ft³ to 120 lb/ft³.

A 50-pound bag of dry sand covers approximately 0.5 cubic feet. At a depth of 2 inches, this translates to about 3 square feet of coverage area.

Sand density varies based on moisture content, grain size, mineral composition, and compaction level. Coarser sand with larger grains typically has more air space and weighs slightly less per volume than fine sand.

How to Calculate

To calculate sand weight, enter your volume in cubic feet, cubic yards, or cubic meters, then select your sand type (dry, wet, or packed). The calculator multiplies your volume by the appropriate density to determine total weight. **Formula: Weight = Volume × Density**. If you have dimensions instead of volume, multiply length × width × depth to get cubic feet first. The results include conversions to tons and kilograms for easier material ordering and transport planning.

Formula & Method

Weight (lb) = Volume (ft³) × Density (lb/ft³)

Densities: Dry sand ≈ 100 lb/ft³, Wet sand ≈ 120 lb/ft³, Packed sand ≈ 130 lb/ft³

Volume (ft³) = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (ft)

Sources & References

https://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/dirt-mud-densities-d_1727.html
https://www.usgs.gov/centers/national-minerals-information-center/sand-and-gravel-statistics-and-information

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