Topdressing sand calculator (cubic yards and tons)
Topdressing is planned in fractions of an inch but ordered by the ton. A topdressing calculator turns a depth and an area into cubic feet, cubic yards and tons of sand, using a bulk density you can change to your supplier's figure.
Free to use. No sign-up, no email.
Results
- Sand volume
- 2.31 yd³
- Cubic feet
- 62.5 ft³
- Sand weight
- 3.13 tons
- Same in metric
- 1.77 m³ · 2.83 tonnes
Always follow the product label.
The formula behind the topdressing calculator
Volume
ft³ = area (ft²) × depth (in) ÷ 12 · yd³ = ft³ ÷ 27
Weight
tons = yd³ × bulk density (tons per yd³)
Default density
2,700 lb per yd³ of dry sand = 1.35 tons per yd³
Change it to your supplier's figure; the default is a published figure for dry sand.
Where the numbers come from
- Cubic yard: 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet. NIST Handbook 44 (2024), Appendix C
- Default sand bulk density: 2,700 lb per cubic yard of dry sand (1.35 tons per cubic yard); about 20 ft³ per 1,000 ft² at 0.25 inch. University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Gaussoin, “Topdressing 101” (2024)
- Pound, foot and acre: 1 lb = 453.59237 g, 1 ft = 0.3048 m, 1 acre = 43,560 ft² (all exact). NIST Handbook 44 (2024), Appendix C
Worked example (the calculator opens with these numbers)
- Example inputs: 1/8 inch (0.125 in) over 6,000 ft² at 1.35 tons per yd³.
- Volume: 6,000 × 0.125 ÷ 12 = 62.5 ft³.
- Cubic yards: 62.5 ÷ 27 = 2.31 yd³.
- Weight: 2.3148 × 1.35 = 3.13 tons.
Cross-check with the UNL figure: 0.25 inch over 1,000 ft² is 20.8 ft³ here, which the source rounds to about 20 ft³.
Questions about the topdressing calculator
How much sand is 1/8 inch over 1,000 square feet?
One eighth of an inch over 1,000 square feet is 1,000 × 0.125 ÷ 12 = 10.4 cubic feet, or 0.39 cubic yards of sand.
Why might my supplier's tonnage differ?
The topdressing calculator's default density is a published figure for dry sand. Your supplier's sand can weigh a different amount per yard, so enter their figure when you have it.
Are the tons US tons or metric tonnes?
In US units the topdressing calculator shows short tons of 2,000 lb; in metric it shows tonnes of 1,000 kg.
Get this for your actual course
Atlas gives you the area of every green, tee and fairway on your course, so topdressing orders start from your own ground. Areas are approximate.
Questions? info@aetherisintel.com