Free online tool • Mason sand
Masonry Sand Calculator
This masonry sand calculator works out how much masonry sand — also called mason sand — to order for a pool base, sandbox, volleyball court, arena, paver bedding or lawn top dressing. Enter the area and depth to get tons, cubic yards, bags and cost.
How Much Masonry Sand Do I Need?
What Is Masonry Sand?
Masonry sand, or mason sand, is a fine, washed sand screened to a uniform small grain size — typically everything passes a No. 4 (about 3/16 inch) sieve, and most of it is much finer. Because it has no stones or coarse grit, it makes a smooth, workable mortar and feels soft underfoot. That same softness is why masonry sand is popular well beyond bricklaying: pool bases, sandboxes, volleyball courts and riding arenas all use it.
Masonry Sand vs Concrete Sand
| Masonry sand | Concrete sand | |
|---|---|---|
| Grain | Fine, uniform, smooth | Coarse, angular, varied |
| Weight | about 1.30 t/yd³ | about 1.35 t/yd³ |
| Best for | Mortar, pool bases, sandboxes, volleyball | Concrete, paver bedding, drainage |
| Drainage | Moderate | Good |
| Typical price | $30–$60 per ton | $25–$50 per ton |
For paver bedding, coarse concrete sand is usually better; masonry sand is too fine to lock pavers in place. Use the paver sand calculator for that job.
Masonry Sand Depth by Use
Pool bases
About 2 inches of masonry sand under an above-ground pool liner. See the pool sand calculator for round and oval pools.
Sandboxes
6 to 8 inches. Washed masonry sand is a low-cost bulk alternative to bagged play sand.
Volleyball courts
A backyard sand volleyball court needs 12 inches or more of masonry sand over a drainage layer. A court about 30 × 60 ft at 12 inches takes 1,800 cubic feet — 66.7 cubic yards, or about 87 tons of masonry sand.
Lawn top dressing
A thin 1/8 to 1/4 inch layer spread after aeration levels low spots and improves drainage. At 1/4 inch, a ton of masonry sand covers about 1,000 sq ft.
How the Masonry Sand Calculator Works
1. Volume
Multiply length × width × depth in feet. A 20 × 10 ft area 2 inches deep holds 33.3 cubic feet of masonry sand.
2. Cubic yards
Divide by 27: 33.3 ÷ 27 = 1.23 cubic yards.
3. Tons and bags
Multiply by 1.30 tons per cubic yard: 1.6 tons, or about 1.8 tons with 10 percent extra — roughly 71 bags of 50 lb masonry sand.
Masonry Sand for Mortar
For brick and block mortar, masonry sand is mixed with masonry cement or Portland cement and lime, typically about 3 parts sand to 1 part cementitious material by volume. To work out cement bags and sand for a mortar bed or screed, use the sand and cement calculator. Keep stored mortar sand covered, as wet sand changes the mix and adds weight.
Masonry Sand Cost
Bulk masonry sand costs about $30 to $60 per ton from a sand and gravel yard, with white or specially washed masonry sand at the high end. Delivery adds $75 to $200 per load. Bagged all-purpose or masonry sand runs $5 to $8 per 50 lb bag. A cubic yard of masonry sand weighs about 2,600 lbs, so a yard costs roughly $40 to $80 in bulk.
Related Sand Calculators
These tools use the same volume and density maths for neighbouring jobs:
- Sand calculator — every common sand type
- Pool sand calculator — round and oval pool bases
- Sandbox sand calculator — bags of play sand by sandbox size
- Arena sand calculator — horse arena footing sand
- Sand and cement calculator — mortar and concrete mixes
- Paver sand calculator — coarse bedding sand for pavers
Mortar proportions follow common masonry practice; the Portland Cement Association publishes guidance on masonry mortar materials.
Masonry Sand FAQ
How much does a yard of masonry sand weigh?
A cubic yard of dry masonry sand weighs about 2,600 lbs, or 1.30 tons. Wet masonry sand can weigh 3,000 lbs or more.
How much area does a ton of masonry sand cover?
One ton of masonry sand covers about 249 sq ft at 1 inch deep, 125 sq ft at 2 inches and 62 sq ft at 4 inches.
What is masonry sand used for?
Masonry sand is used for brick and block mortar, above-ground pool bases, sandboxes, sand volleyball courts, horse arenas and lawn top dressing, wherever a fine, smooth sand is wanted.
Is mason sand the same as masonry sand?
Yes. Mason sand and masonry sand are two names for the same fine, washed sand screened for mortar.
How much masonry sand do I need for a volleyball court?
A backyard court of about 30 by 60 ft with 12 inches of sand needs about 67 cubic yards, or roughly 87 tons of masonry sand before waste.