Sand Calculator
Bags of play sand or all-purpose sand to fill a box or spread a layer. Pick the job, then enter length, width, and depth.
Not the bag for paver joints, and not a bag labeled sand mix. That mix bag is cement. Use play sand in a box. Use all-purpose sand under pavers.
What to buy
This load is about a cubic yard or more. A bulk delivery is usually cheaper than that many bags.
How the numbers are figured
Volume is length × width × depth. Depth in inches is divided by 12 so the result is in cubic feet. Divide by 27 for cubic yards. Bag counts use 0.5 cubic feet per bag, the yield listed for a common 50 lb play sand or all-purpose sand bag, then round up. Tons multiply cubic yards by 1.35, from that same bag weight. Moisture changes the scale weight. Ask the yard.
Sandboxes, paver beds, and walks use the same math. The Project menu only changes the starting depth. Buy play sand for a box, or all-purpose sand for a bed. Skip the bag marked polymeric or joint sand, and skip sand mix.
Common questions
How much sand for a 6x6 sandbox?
A 6 by 6 foot box that is 6 inches deep takes 18 cubic feet, or 36 bags of 0.5 cubic feet, before waste. With 10% extra, plan on 40 bags.
How many bags of sand in a cubic yard?
One cubic yard is 27 cubic feet. At 0.5 cubic feet per bag, that is 54 bags. A common 50 lb play sand or all-purpose sand bag is sold at that volume.
Do I order sand by the bag or the yard?
Bags are practical under about one cubic yard. Larger boxes and patio beds are usually cheaper as a bulk load. Plants often sell by the ton. This page uses 1.35 tons per cubic yard from a 50 lb bag at 0.5 cubic feet. Ask the yard.
Is this for polymeric sand between pavers?
No. That bag is swept into the gaps between pavers. This page is for loose sand you dump into a box or spread as a layer.
What about a bag labeled sand mix?
Sand mix is cement plus sand, not a bag of sand. Use the slab calculator for a pour, or the mortar calculator if you are laying brick.