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Sand Calculator: Tons, Cubic Yards and Bags
Find out how much sand you need for a sandbox, a paver bedding layer, a pool base or leveling, in cubic feet, cubic yards, tons and 50 lb bags, with bag and bulk cost.
How to calculate sand
Work out the volume in cubic feet (length × width × depth in feet), then multiply by the weight of the sand. Dry sand weighs about 100 lb per cubic foot, or 1.35 tons per cubic yard. Damp sand from a quarry pile is heavier, which matters when you buy by the ton.
tons = length (ft) × width (ft) × depth (in) ÷ 12 × 100 ÷ 2,000
Worked example: a sandbox
A 6 × 6 ft sandbox filled 12 in deep holds 36 cu ft (1.33 cu yd). At 100 lb per cu ft that is 3,600 lb, or 1.8 tons: 72 bags of 50 lb. At $6 a bag that is $432, versus about $72 for bulk sand at $40 a ton plus delivery. For a sandbox, buy washed play sand, which is screened and has the fine dust removed.
How deep should sand be?
| Use | Depth | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Sandbox | 8 to 12 in | Washed play sand |
| Paver bedding layer | 1 in, screeded | Coarse concrete sand (ASTM C33) |
| Above-ground pool base | 2 in | Masonry or mason sand |
| Under flagstone or stepping stones | 1 to 2 in | Concrete sand or stone dust |
| Top dressing a lawn | ¼ to ½ in | Fine sand or a sand and compost mix |
Tips
- A 50 lb bag of sand holds about half a cubic foot. A cubic yard is about 54 bags.
- Bulk sand is usually sold by the ton and many suppliers have a minimum order or delivery fee, so bags can still win for very small jobs.
- Do not use polymeric joint sand for the bedding layer under pavers; it is only for sweeping into the joints. Our paver calculator estimates both.
Need gravel instead? Use the gravel calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How much sand do I need for a sandbox?
A 6 × 6 ft sandbox filled 12 in deep holds 36 cu ft: about 1.8 tons, or 72 bags of 50 lb play sand. A 4 × 4 ft box 8 in deep needs about 22 bags.
How much does a cubic yard of sand weigh?
Dry sand weighs about 2,700 lb (1.35 tons) per cubic yard. Damp sand weighs 3,000 lb or more.
How many 50 lb bags of sand are in a cubic yard?
About 54 bags, since a 50 lb bag holds roughly half a cubic foot.