How to calculate sand
Sand is sold by volume (cubic yards), by weight (tons) and in 50 lb bags. The calculator finds the volume of the space first, then converts it to weight and bag counts using the weight of the sand.
Cubic yards = length (ft) × width (ft) × depth (in) ÷ 12 ÷ 27
Tons = cubic yards × 2,700 lb ÷ 2,000
50 lb bags = weight (lb) ÷ 50
Example: a 5 × 5 ft sandbox filled 8 inches deep holds 5 × 5 × 8 ÷ 12 = 16.7 cubic feet, or 0.62 cubic yards. At 2,700 lb per yard that's about 1,670 lb, or 34 bags of 50 lb play sand.
Common sand types
| Sand | Used for |
|---|---|
| Play sand | Sandboxes; washed and screened fine |
| Concrete / all-purpose sand | Paver bedding, mixing concrete and mortar |
| Mason sand | Mortar, smooth finishes, some sandboxes |
| Polymeric sand | Filling paver joints; hardens when wetted |
| Fill sand | Raising grade, backfill; unwashed and cheap |
Typical depths
- Paver bedding layer: about 1 inch, screeded flat over a compacted gravel base.
- Sandbox: 6 to 12 inches, deep enough for digging but not so deep it's heavy to rake.
- Under an above-ground pool: often around 2 inches; follow the pool maker's instructions.
- Leveling a lawn: thin layers of no more than about 1/2 inch at a time, mixed with topsoil.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a cubic yard of sand weigh?
Dry sand weighs about 2,600 to 3,000 lb per cubic yard, roughly 1.3 to 1.5 tons. Damp sand is heavier. The calculator uses 2,700 lb unless you enter your supplier's figure.
How many 50 lb bags of sand are in a yard?
A 50 lb bag of sand holds about half a cubic foot, so a cubic yard (27 cubic feet) is roughly 54 bags. Bag yields vary a little by product, so check the label.
How much sand do I need for a sandbox?
Multiply the sandbox's length by its width and the sand depth. A 5 × 5 ft sandbox filled 8 inches deep needs about 16.7 cubic feet, roughly 34 bags of 50 lb play sand. Use washed play sand rather than construction sand.
How much sand goes under pavers?
Pavers are usually set on a 1 inch layer of bedding sand over a compacted gravel base. Joint sand is swept in after the pavers are laid; plan on a bag or two per 50 to 100 square feet depending on the joint width.
What kind of sand should I buy?
Play sand is washed and screened for sandboxes. Concrete or all-purpose sand works for paver bedding and mixing concrete. Polymeric sand is for filling paver joints. Fill sand is a cheap, unwashed option for raising grade.