Sand Calculator
Enter area and depth to get the amount of sand you need — by volume, weight, or 50 lb bags.
How to use the Sand Calculator
- Measure the area (sandbox, base layer, or leveling area).
- Enter the depth of sand you want.
- Pick dry, wet, or packed sand to refine the weight estimate.
Formula & methodology
Volume = Area × Depth. Density: dry sand ~100 lb/ft³, wet ~120 lb/ft³, packed ~105 lb/ft³. A 50 lb bag of play sand ≈ 0.5 cu ft.
Example
A 5 ft × 5 ft sandbox filled 8 in deep: 25 ft² × 0.667 ft ≈ 16.7 ft³ ≈ 0.6 cu yd — about 34 fifty-pound bags of play sand.
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FAQ
How much sand for a sandbox?
Fill 6–12 in deep depending on age. A 5×5 ft box at 8 in needs about 17 ft³ — roughly 34 bags of 50 lb play sand.
How many 50 lb bags of sand make a yard?
About 54 bags — sand is heavy, so bulk delivery pays off beyond a few bags.
Play sand vs paver sand — same thing?
No. Play sand is fine and washed (for kids); paver sand is coarse and locks joints better. Concrete sand is yet another grade — match the sand to the job.
How much does wet sand weigh vs dry?
Wet sand is about 20% heavier per volume. Buy by volume; the weight only matters for lifting and delivery limits.