Example Data Table
| Shape | Inputs | Adjusted Volume (m³) | Approx. Weight (kg) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rectangular | 2.4 m × 1.2 m × 0.05 m | 0.166 | 266 | Good for small raised beds |
| Circular | Diameter 1.5 m × 0.04 m | 0.109 | 174 | Great for ring beds and trees |
| Triangular | Base 2.0 m, height 1.0 m × 0.06 m | 0.069 | 110 | Useful for corner plots |
| Known area | Area 6.0 m² × 0.03 m | 0.208 | 333 | Handy for irregular footprints |
Formula Used
- Rectangular bed: Volume = Length × Width × Depth
- Circular bed: Volume = π × (Diameter ÷ 2)² × Depth
- Triangular footprint: Volume = (Base × Height ÷ 2) × Depth
- Known area: Volume = Area × Depth
How to Use This Calculator
- Select the bed shape that matches your project footprint.
- Choose units, then enter the required dimensions and depth.
- Set waste and compaction to reflect your working conditions.
- Enter bulk density if you need a realistic weight estimate.
- Choose bag mode and bag size to estimate bag count.
- Add pricing if you want a quick budget figure.
- Press Calculate to see results above the form.
- Use the download buttons to save CSV or PDF outputs.
- Measure depth after removing loose debris and roots.
- For paver bedding, use consistent screed rails for level depth.
- Local sand moisture and grading can change compaction behavior.
Why Volume Accuracy Matters
Accurate sand volume prevents uneven beds, low spots, and drainage issues. For a rectangular bed, volume is length × width × depth, so small depth changes scale fast. For example, a 3.0 m² bed at 4 cm needs 0.12 m³, while 6 cm needs 0.18 m³, a 50% jump. 0.12 m³ equals 120 L for quick planning.
Selecting a Practical Sand Depth
Garden leveling layers often use 3–5 cm, while under pavers or edging you may need 5–10 cm depending on base prep. Deeper layers add stability but increase weight and cost. If your soil is soft or you expect settling, raise compaction allowance rather than guessing depth. Measure depth after raking and tamping, then recheck with a straightedge for uniformity.
Using Waste and Compaction Factors
Real projects rarely match perfect geometry. Waste covers spillage, edge trimming, and small grade corrections; 5–8% is common for tidy beds, while complex borders may need 10–15%. Compaction accounts for settling after watering and vibration. The calculator applies both multipliers to raw volume so the final number reflects what you actually bring home. If you plan to screed and compact in two passes, consider a slightly higher compaction value.
Estimating Weight and Bag Quantities
Volume is only half the story when hauling sand. Bulk density for dry sand often ranges 1450–1700 kg/m³, so 0.25 m³ can weigh roughly 360–425 kg. Moist sand can be heavier, and wet material also compacts differently. Weight affects vehicle limits, handling, and bag counts. If your supplier sells by weight, choose bag-weight mode; if bags list liters, choose bag-volume mode. Rounding up bag count avoids running short mid-job.
Budgeting and Material Quality Checks
Pricing varies by grade, moisture, and delivery distance. Comparing price per m³ is best for bulk loads, while price per bag helps for small gardens. Add a unit price to estimate budget, then verify what the supplier includes: screened sand, washed sand, or masonry sand. Cleaner sand improves drainage and reduces weed seeds in beds. For planting areas, avoid salty beach sand and confirm compatibility with your soil mix and irrigation water before you place it.
FAQs
What depth is typical for a sand bed in gardens?
Most garden leveling layers use 3–5 cm. For pavers, edging, or heavy planters, 5–10 cm is common when the base is well prepared. Use your project requirements and adjust compaction for settling.
Should I include waste and compaction together?
Yes. Waste covers losses from trimming, spillage, and minor grading fixes. Compaction covers settling after watering and tamping. Applying both gives a more realistic purchase quantity than raw geometry alone.
How do I choose a bulk density value?
Dry sand often falls around 1450–1700 kg/m³. Washed or damp sand can be heavier. If your supplier lists weight per volume, use that number. Otherwise, start with 1600 kg/m³ and refine after a small test load.
Can I calculate with area instead of dimensions?
Yes. If your bed is irregular, measure or estimate the plan area, pick the area unit, and enter depth. The calculator multiplies area by depth to produce volume, then applies waste and compaction.
Why do bag counts differ from bulk volume?
Bags may be labeled by liters, cubic meters, or kilograms. Volume-based bags depend on how loosely the sand is packed, while weight-based bags depend on moisture and density. Match the mode to the packaging to keep counts consistent.
Does the calculator replace site compaction tests?
No. It provides planning estimates for purchasing and transport. On-site conditions like moisture, base stiffness, and vibration method change settlement. If the surface is critical, perform a small test section and adjust depth or compaction allowance accordingly.