Free Calculator
Mason Sand Calculator — How Much Mason Sand Do I Need?
Tons of ASTM C144 mason sand for paver bedding, mortar, and sandboxes.
3. Enter Dimensions
Your order summary lands here
As soon as the dimensions are valid, you will see the recommended quantity, truckload count, and the ZIP pricing step.
Mason sand is the fine washed sand graded for paver setting beds, mortar joints, stucco, and sandboxes. Use this calculator to size the load. Florida ZIPs return live delivered pricing.
How to use this mason sand calculator
- 1
Measure the area
Paver setting bed: paver footprint length × width. Sandbox: inside dimensions of the box.
- 2
Pick the depth
Paver setting bed: 1 inch (default). Sandbox: 8–12 inches. Mortar work: estimate by bag count, then convert.
- 3
Confirm the grade
Mason sand is ASTM C144 — finer than concrete sand. Wrong grade gives weak mortar or lumpy paver beds.
- 4
Enter your ZIP
Florida ZIPs return delivered pricing per ton.
How the math works
Volume in cubic yards equals Length × Width × Depth ÷ 27. Mason sand has a density of about 1.3 tons per cubic yard.
A 1-inch screeded paver bed over 300 sq ft = 300 × (1/12) ÷ 27 ≈ 0.93 cubic yards ≈ 1.2 tons of mason sand.
The calculator applies a 15–25% buffer for screed waste and settlement — this matches how mason sand is actually ordered for a job.
How much does mason sand cover?
Quick reference for how much area one ton and one cubic yard cover at common depths.
| Depth | 1 ton covers | 1 cubic yard covers |
|---|---|---|
| 1" | 249 sq ft | 324 sq ft |
| 2" | 125 sq ft | 162 sq ft |
| 3" | 83 sq ft | 108 sq ft |
| 4" | 62 sq ft | 81 sq ft |
| 6" | 42 sq ft | 54 sq ft |
| 12" | 21 sq ft | 27 sq ft |
Assumes a density of about 1.3 tons per cubic yard, typical for mason and concrete sand. Wet or compacted sand covers slightly less per ton.
Typical quantities by project
| Project | Depth | Area | Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paver patio 300 sq ft setting bed | 1" | 300 sq ft | ~1.2 tons |
| Walkway 4 ft × 30 ft | 1" | 120 sq ft | ~0.5 tons |
| Sandbox 6 ft × 6 ft | 10" | 36 sq ft | ~1.3 tons |
| Mortar resupply 50 cu ft | mix-based | — | ~3 tons |
Common ordering mistakes
From real deliveries, these are the mistakes we see most often. Avoiding any one of them saves a callback order.
Mason sand in concrete
Too fine for structural concrete. Use ASTM C33 concrete sand for any mix.
Paver bed too thick
A 1-inch screeded bed is the spec. Thicker beds let pavers shift and twist.
Skipping washed grade
Unwashed mason sand carries clay fines that stain mortar joints. Always specify washed.
Sandbox sand confusion
Mason sand works in sandboxes, but dedicated rounded play sand is safer for hands and clothes.
Frequently asked questions
Ready to see delivered pricing?
Jump back to the calculator to price the exact quantity for your ZIP, or request a manual quote if the project needs special handling.