How the sand calculator works
Cubic feet = Area × Depth (in) ÷ 12
Bags = Cubic feet ÷ 0.5 (a 50 lb bag is about 0.5 cu ft)
Tons = Cubic yards × 1.35
How deep should sand be?
| Use | Typical depth |
|---|---|
| Sandbox | 6–12 in |
| Paver bedding layer | 1 in |
| Under an above-ground pool | 2 in |
| Leveling a lawn (topdressing) | ¼–½ in |
Which sand?
- Play sand is washed and screened for sandboxes.
- Concrete / coarse sand is used as paver bedding.
- Polymeric sand fills paver joints and is sold by coverage, not volume.
Frequently asked questions
How many bags of sand for a 4x4 sandbox?
At 6 inches deep, 8 cubic feet — 16 bags of 50 lb. At 12 inches, 32 bags.
How many 50 lb bags of sand in a yard?
About 54 bags.
How much does a cubic yard of sand weigh?
Roughly 1.3–1.4 tons when dry; wet sand weighs more.