Pavers, gravel base and this bedding sand in one view.
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Sand Calculator
Bases & playQuick answer: sand is sold by the ton in bulk and by the 50 lb bag in stores, and the two meet at about 1.35–1.45 tons per cubic yard. A 5×5 ft sandbox filled 6 inches deep needs 0.46 cubic yards — 0.63 tons, or 25 bags of play sand.
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Tons to order
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Cubic yards
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Cubic feet
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Bags (50 lb)
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Estimated cost (bulk)
Bag counts use the standard 50 lb bag volume of about 0.5 cubic feet. Bulk cost uses the per-ton price you enter; the same sand in bags typically costs three to five times more per ton.
How it works — the formula
Volume (ft³) = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (in) ÷ 12 · Cubic yards = ft³ ÷ 27 Tons = Cubic yards × Density · 50 lb bags = ⌈ ft³ ÷ 0.5 ⌉| Sand type | Estimating density | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Play sand | 1.35 t/yd³ | Sandboxes, play areas (washed, rounded grain) |
| Masonry sand | 1.40 t/yd³ | Mortar and stucco mixes (fine, washed) |
| Concrete / coarse sand | 1.45 t/yd³ | Concrete mixes, pool bases, bedding |
| Joint / paver sand | 1.35 t/yd³ | Sweeping into paver joints |
Wet sand weighs noticeably more per yard than dry sand — one reason bulk yards sell by the ton at the scale rather than by the scoop. If you are levelling a pool base, order coarse sand, not play sand: play sand's rounded grains shift under weight instead of locking together.
Worked examples
| Project | Cubic yards | Tons | 50 lb bags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sandbox 5 × 5 ft, 6 in deep, play sand | 0.46 yd³ | 0.63 t | 25 |
| Paver base 10 × 10 ft, 2 in deep, masonry sand, 10% extra | 0.68 yd³ | 0.95 t | 37 |
| Pool base 15 × 15 ft, 2 in deep, coarse sand | 1.39 yd³ | 2.01 t | 75 |
Check the first row: 5 × 5 × (6 ÷ 12) = 12.5 ft³ = 0.46 yd³. Times 1.35 t/yd³ = 0.63 tons. Bags: 12.5 ÷ 0.5 = 25 bags.
Frequently asked questions
How many bags of sand do I need for a sandbox?
5×5 ft at 6 in deep: 12.5 ft³ = 25 × 50 lb bags (≈0.63 t bulk). A 4×4 ft box at the same depth: 16 bags.
How many cubic yards are in a ton of sand?
≈0.74 yd³/ton play sand; ≈0.71 masonry; ≈0.69 coarse concrete sand. Wet sand weighs more per yard.
What kind of sand goes under a pool?
Coarse or masonry sand, ≈2 in levelled and compacted — never play sand, whose rounded grains shift under weight.
How much sand under pavers?
A 1 in bedding layer: ≈0.31 yd³ (≈0.42 t, ≈17 bags) per 100 ft², plus joint sand afterwards.
Is bulk sand cheaper than bags?
Yes — ≈$30–$60/ton bulk vs $200+/ton bagged equivalent. Bags win only under about half a ton.
Related tools
The base layer under the sand, in yards and tons.
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Bag counts for the concrete that uses this sand's coarse cousin.
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Top the sandbox surround and beds in bags or bulk.
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See the full list on the Home & DIY Calculators page.
Estimates only. Densities are trade estimating averages and vary with moisture and source; your supplier's scale weight governs bulk invoices. Play sand for children's areas should be washed play-grade sand.