How to Calculate Cubic Yards of Sand

Finding the cubic yardage of sand is not just for builders and construction---you can use it for DIY projects around the home as well. Calculating cubic yardage takes simple geometry that you learned in school and allows you to set up swing sets and build patios in your backyard. Knowing the exact amount of sand that you need could help you save time and money.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Measuring tape
• Calculator

Volume of Sand

1. Determine the measurements of the space. You will need length, width and depth. Your depth will be how deep you want the sand.

2. Convert all of your measurements into feet. Use decimals for your inches. For example, 4 inches would be .33 feet. Divide your inches by 12 to get your decimals.

3. Multiply length x width x thickness to find the volume or cubic footage of the area.

4. Calculate your cubic yardage by dividing your cubic feet by 27. There are 27 cubic feet in 1 cubic yard, and dividing by 27 will give you your cubic yardage.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure that you convert all of your measurements into the same units.