Sandnes is a city and municipality located in Rogaland, Norway, situated immediately south of Stavanger. It forms part of the Stavanger/Sandnes conurbation, which stands as the third-largest urban area in the country. The urban city occupies only about five percent of the vast municipality's land area, lying in the extreme western part near the Gandsfjorden fjord. Administratively, it serves as a significant local hub within the traditional district of Jæren, characterized by a landscape that transitions from highly urbanized western zones to rural eastern interiors.

The settlement originated as a small port village granted ladested status in 1860 before separating from Høyland Municipality to become self-governing. Its boundaries expanded significantly during the municipal mergers of the 1960s, incorporating Høyland, most of Høle, and parts of Hetland. Further changes occurred in 2017 with a minor transfer to Sola and in 2020 when most of Forsand Municipality merged into Sandnes. The name derives from an old farm meaning sandy headland, reflecting its location at the end of the Gandsfjorden.

The municipality is divided into thirteen boroughs, with the administrative center in Trones og Sentrum. Notable villages include Hommersåk, Høle, and Lysebotn, while the western area features flat plains and beaches. The eastern region is dominated by rugged mountains and the Lysefjorden, home to steep cliffs like Kjerag and Preikestolen. The coat of arms, granted in 1972, depicts a white ceramic cuckoo bird, symbolizing the pottery industry that was central to the local economy in the late eighteenth century.

Sandnes is known as Norway's bicycle city due to the historical presence of manufacturer Øglænd DBS and its extensive network of paved bike paths. Visitors can explore cultural sites such as Vitenfabrikken, a science center for children, and the Rogaland Arboretum. The area offers access to outdoor activities including skiing resorts within an hour's drive and the renowned Lysefjorden. Local dining features traditional cuisine at establishments like Gamlaverket, while the Melkebaren pub highlights the region's craft beer culture.

The municipality had a population of 85,785 in 2026, with a density of 82.4 inhabitants per square kilometer. Its economy includes retail, tourism, and historical pottery industries, supported by a public bicycle rental program since 1996. Transport links include the Jærbanen railway and frequent bus services from Stavanger Sola Airport. The climate is temperate oceanic, influenced by the North Sea, providing mild winters and warm summers with plentiful precipitation, particularly in late autumn and winter.