How this calculator works
Multiply the area by the depth, converted to feet, to get cubic feet. Add an allowance for settling, divide by 27 for cubic yards, and multiply by the weight of a cubic foot of sand to get pounds and tons. Dry sand weighs about 100 pounds per cubic foot (1.35 tons per cubic yard), and wet or compacted sand about 125.
Worked example: an 8 × 8 ft sandbox filled 6 inches deep is 32 ft³, or 33.6 ft³ with 5% extra (1.24 cubic yards). Dry play sand at 100 lb per ft³ weighs 3,360 lb (1.7 tons), which is 68 bags of 50 lb.
Sand for common sandboxes (dry sand, 5% extra)
6 inches deep. Bags are 50 lb.
| Sandbox | Cubic feet | Cubic yards | Weight | 50 lb bags |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 × 4 ft | 8.4 | 0.31 | 0.42 tons | 17 |
| 5 × 5 ft | 13.1 | 0.49 | 0.66 tons | 27 |
| 6 × 6 ft | 18.9 | 0.70 | 0.95 tons | 38 |
| 8 × 8 ft | 33.6 | 1.24 | 1.68 tons | 68 |
| 10 × 10 ft | 52.5 | 1.94 | 2.63 tons | 105 |
Tips before you buy
- For a sandbox, use clean play sand (washed and screened), not construction or paver sand, which is sharp and dusty. Cover the box when it is not in use to keep out animals and rain.
- Under pavers, lay about 1 inch of coarse concrete sand on a compacted gravel base, screeded smooth. Do not use play sand or stone dust there.
- Bulk sand is far cheaper than bags above about half a cubic yard, but you need somewhere for the truck to drop it and a tarp to cover it.
- A sandbox 6 to 12 inches deep is usual. Add drainage holes or a layer of landscape fabric under it so it does not become a puddle.
- Wear a dust mask when handling dry sand in bulk. Silica dust is harmful when breathed in repeatedly.
Tools & materials for this project
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Frequently asked questions
How much sand do I need for a sandbox?
An 8 × 8 ft sandbox filled 6 inches deep takes about 1.2 cubic yards, or about 68 bags of 50 lb with 5% extra.
How many 50 lb bags of sand make a cubic yard?
About 54 bags of dry sand (a cubic yard weighs about 2,700 lb), or about 68 bags of wet sand.
How much does a cubic yard of sand weigh?
About 2,700 lb (1.35 tons) dry, and up to 3,400 lb (1.7 tons) when wet or compacted.
How much sand do I need under pavers?
A 1 inch bedding layer: about 0.3 cubic yards (roughly 830 lb of dry sand) per 100 square feet.
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Estimates only. Results assume standard materials and simple shapes. Supplier products vary, and the final call on quantity, structure and safety is yours. Check your local code and your supplier's guidance before ordering.