What to measure
How to use the sand calculator
Choose a rectangle or circle, enter the size and how deep the sand will be. Add a price per ton to compare a bulk delivery with bags.
The formula
- Cubic yards = length × width × depth (all in feet) ÷ 27
- Tons = cubic yards × 1.35
- 50 lb bags = cubic feet ÷ 0.5
Worked example: 6 × 6 ft sandbox, 12 in deep
- 6 × 6 × 1 = 36 cu ft = 1.33 cubic yards
- 1.33 × 1.35 = 1.8 tons
- 36 ÷ 0.5 = 72 bags of 50 lb play sand
Bags or bulk?
Below about half a cubic yard (27 bags), bags are usually simpler. Above that, a bulk delivery costs less per ton — though many yards have a delivery minimum.
Sand for sandboxes and paver beds
Paver rows use 1 inch of bedding sand; sandbox rows use the fill depth shown.
| Project | Depth | Tons | 50 lb bags |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 × 4 ft sandbox | 6 in | 0.4 | 16 |
| 4 × 4 ft sandbox | 12 in | 0.8 | 32 |
| 5 × 5 ft sandbox | 12 in | 1.25 | 50 |
| 6 ft round sandbox | 12 in | 1.41 | 57 |
| 8 × 8 ft sandbox | 12 in | 3.2 | 128 |
| 10 × 10 ft paver patio | 1 in | 0.42 | 17 |
| 12 × 12 ft paver patio | 1 in | 0.6 | 24 |
| 10 × 20 ft paver patio | 1 in | 0.83 | 34 |
Common mistakes
- Using sand as the paver base. Sand is the thin bedding layer only; the strength comes from the compacted gravel underneath. Size that with the paver calculator.
- Bedding sand too thick. A deep sand layer lets pavers rock and sink, as the FAQ above notes.
- Filling a sandbox to the rim. Leave a few inches of board above the sand so it stays in the box when kids dig.
- Buying the wrong sand. Play sand, paver sand and masonry sand are different products. Check the bag before you buy for the job.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a cubic yard of sand weigh?
About 1.2–1.4 tons (2,400–2,750 lb) when dry. We use 1.35 tons. Wet sand is heavier — up to 1.65 tons.
How many 50 lb bags of sand are in a cubic yard?
About 54. A 50 lb bag of play sand holds roughly 0.5 cubic feet, and a cubic yard is 27 cubic feet.
How much sand do I need for a sandbox?
A 6 × 6 ft sandbox filled 12 inches deep needs 36 cubic feet — 1.33 cubic yards, about 1.8 tons or 72 bags of 50 lb.
How deep should sand be under pavers?
About 1 inch of bedding sand over a compacted gravel base. Sand thicker than 1–1.5 inches lets pavers shift.
How much sand do I need for a 10 × 20 paver patio?
At 1 inch of bedding sand, 16.67 cu ft, which is 0.62 cubic yards, about 0.83 tons or 34 bags of 50 lb.
How much sand for a round sandbox?
Choose Circle. A 6 ft round sandbox filled 12 inches deep holds 28.27 cu ft, which is 1.05 cubic yards, about 1.41 tons or 57 bags of 50 lb.
How much area does a 50 lb bag of sand cover?
About 6 sq ft at 1 inch deep, since each bag holds about 0.5 cu ft. At 2 inches it covers half that.
How much sand for a 20 × 20 paver patio?
At 1 inch of bedding sand, 33.33 cu ft, which is 1.23 cubic yards, about 1.67 tons or 67 bags of 50 lb.
Sources
Formulas and defaults last reviewed October 30, 2026. How we check our math.