In the United States, sand is commonly divided into five sub-categories based on size: very fine sand (​ 1⁄16 – ​ 1⁄8 mm diameter), fine sand (​ 1⁄8 mm – ​ 1⁄4 mm), medium sand (​ 1⁄4 mm – ​ 1⁄2 mm), coarse sand (​ 1⁄2 mm – 1 mm), and very coarse sand (1 mm – 2 mm).

Based on the grain size of the particle, sand is classified as Fine Sand (0.075 to 0.425mm), Medium Sand (0.425 to 2mm), and Coarse Sand (2.0 mm to 4.75mm) Based on origin, sand is classified as Pit sand, River sand, Sea sand, and manufactured sand.