How to calculate mason sand
cubic yards = length × width × depth (ft) ÷ 27, then × 1.35 for tons
Worked example: a large play area. 12 × 12 ft, 6 inches deep:
- 144 sq ft × 0.5 ft = 72 cubic feet
- Plus 10% for settling: 79.2 cubic feet ÷ 27 = 2.93 cubic yards
- × 1.35 = 3.96 tons
- In 50 lb bags that would be 159 bags, so this is a bulk delivery job
Mason sand vs play sand
| Mason sand | Play sand | |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Fine, smooth grains | Fine, smooth grains |
| Processing | Washed and graded for mortar | Washed and screened, packaged for play |
| How it is sold | Mostly bulk, by the yard or ton | Mostly 50 lb bags |
| Typical uses | Mortar, sandboxes, volleyball courts, smooth beds | Sandboxes, sand tables |
| Best value when | You need a yard or more | You need a few bags |
For a small sandbox, bags of play sand are simple. For a big play area or a volleyball court, compare a bulk mason sand delivery. The play sand calculator has a bag chart by sandbox size.
Mason sand for mortar
Mortar is a mix of sand, cementitious material (portland cement and lime, or masonry cement) and water. The common standard for mortar uses about 2¼ to 3 parts sand for every part of cementitious material, measured by volume. In practice:
- Read the masonry cement or mortar mix bag for its ratio and how many bricks or blocks one batch lays.
- Pre-mixed mortar bags already contain the sand.
- Keep sand covered so rain does not change the water content of each batch.
For a small brick or block job, a few 50 lb bags may be all you need. Larger jobs are usually bought by the yard or ton.
Other uses
- Backyard volleyball courts. Fine, soft sand is kind on bare feet. Courts are often built with about 12 inches of sand. The arena sand calculator covers courts.
- Smooth leveling layers where a fine finish matters.
- Topdressing mixes in some lawn work, blended with soil.
Mason sand in tons and bags
| Cubic yards | Tons (dry, about) | 50 lb bags |
|---|---|---|
| 0.5 | 0.68 | 27 |
| 1 | 1.35 | 54 |
| 2 | 2.7 | 108 |
| 3 | 4.05 | 162 |
| 5 | 6.75 | 270 |
Sand grading and names vary between suppliers and regions. Ask for a look at the pile, and if the sand is for mortar, ask whether it meets the mortar sand spec your job calls for.
Questions people ask
- How much does a yard of mason sand weigh?
- About 2,700 lb (1.35 tons) when dry, like most sand. Damp mason sand straight from the yard can weigh more.
- What is the difference between mason sand and play sand?
- Both are fine, washed sands. Play sand is screened and packaged for children's play, usually in 50 lb bags. Mason sand is graded for mortar and is usually sold in bulk, which can make it cheaper for large areas.
- How much mason sand do I need for mortar?
- Mortar is typically mixed with roughly 2¼ to 3 parts sand to 1 part cementitious material by volume. Use the cement or mortar maker's instructions for the exact ratio and quantity per bag.
- Is mason sand good for a sandbox?
- Many people use it because it is soft and fine. Check that it is washed and free of debris, and if you would rather have sand made specifically for play, choose bagged play sand.
- How many bags of mason sand make a yard?
- About 54 bags of 50 lb, because a cubic yard of dry sand weighs roughly 2,700 lb.