Calculate cubic yards, tons, and bags of sand for your project. Works for play sand, fill sand, mason sand, and paver base applications.
Sand density varies considerably depending on moisture content. This distinction matters because suppliers may sell by volume (cubic yards) or by weight (tons), and the conversion between the two changes when sand is wet.
| Sand Condition | lbs / cu. yd. | tons / cu. yd. | kg / m³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry sand | 2,700 | 1.35 | 1,602 |
| Wet sand | 3,400 | 1.70 | 2,018 |
| Packed sand | 3,100 | 1.55 | 1,839 |
When ordering sand, ask your supplier whether they measure the weight wet or dry. Sand stored outdoors absorbs rainwater, which increases its weight by 20-25%. If you are buying by the ton, wet sand means you get fewer cubic yards per ton. If buying by the cubic yard, the moisture does not affect your volume, but it affects how much your truck carries.
For accurate project estimates, use dry sand weights (1.35 tons per cubic yard). Our calculator above uses this standard density for dry sand and 1.70 for wet sand.
Sandboxes are one of the most common sand projects, and parents often underestimate how much sand they need. A proper sandbox should have 6 inches of sand for adequate play depth. Here are the calculations for the most popular sandbox sizes:
| Sandbox Size | Depth | Cubic Yards | Tons | 50-lb Bags |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 × 4 ft | 6" | 0.30 | 0.40 | 16 |
| 6 × 6 ft | 6" | 0.67 | 0.90 | 36 |
| 8 × 8 ft | 6" | 1.19 | 1.60 | 64 |
| 10 × 10 ft | 6" | 1.85 | 2.50 | 100 |
| 12 × 12 ft | 6" | 2.67 | 3.60 | 144 |
Always use play sand for sandboxes. Play sand is washed, screened, and tested to ensure it is free of harmful silica dust, clay, and debris. Regular construction sand or fill sand is not safe for children. Play sand is available in bags at most home improvement stores or in bulk from landscape supply yards.
For sandboxes larger than 6 × 6 ft, buying in bulk is significantly cheaper than bagged sand. A cubic yard of play sand in bulk costs $25-40, while the equivalent in 50-lb bags runs $150 or more.
Different sand types are engineered for specific applications. Using the wrong kind of sand can compromise your project's performance and longevity.
| Sand Type | Grain Size | Best Uses | Price / cu. yd. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Play Sand | Fine, rounded | Sandboxes, volleyball courts, zen gardens | $25-40 |
| Fill Sand | Coarse, angular | Backfill, leveling, under slabs, pipe bedding | $15-30 |
| Mason Sand | Fine, uniform | Mortar mix, stucco, plastering, final grading | $30-50 |
| Paver Base Sand | Coarse, angular | Under pavers and flagstone, compacted base | $25-45 |
| Concrete Sand | Medium, angular | Concrete mix, drainage, under-slab base | $25-40 |
| Polymeric Sand | Fine, treated | Paver joints (hardens when wet) | $80-150 |
For most volume calculations, all sand types use the same density of approximately 1.35 tons per cubic yard (dry). The price difference between types reflects processing, washing, screening, and intended use rather than a difference in weight.
The right buying method depends on project size. Here is a straightforward comparison to help you decide:
| Method | Cost per Cu. Yd. | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50-lb bags | $150-270 | Easy to transport; no delivery needed; precise quantity | 3-5x more expensive; labor-intensive to carry |
| Bulk delivery | $15-50 | Cheapest per yard; delivered to your site | Minimum order (often 1-2 yards); needs space for dump |
Rule of thumb: If your project needs more than 0.5 cubic yards (about 27 bags), buy in bulk. The savings are substantial. A sandbox project requiring 1 cubic yard would cost roughly $150 in bags versus $30-40 in bulk, plus a $50-100 delivery fee.
Use our cost calculator to compare total project costs with your local pricing.
Dry sand weighs about 2,700 pounds (1.35 tons) per cubic yard. Wet sand is significantly heavier at approximately 3,400 pounds (1.70 tons) per cubic yard due to water filling the spaces between grains.
For a 6 × 6 ft sandbox at 6 inches deep: 6 × 6 × 6 ÷ 324 = 0.67 cubic yards, or about 0.90 tons. For an 8 × 8 ft sandbox: 1.19 cubic yards (1.60 tons). For a 10 × 10 ft sandbox: 1.85 cubic yards (2.50 tons). Always use play sand, which is washed and screened for children's safety.
A 50-pound bag of sand covers about 0.5 cubic feet. One cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet, so you need approximately 54 bags (at 50 lbs each) per cubic yard. For large projects, buying in bulk is far more cost-effective than purchasing individual bags.
Enter your project dimensions in the calculator above to get an instant estimate for cubic yards, tons, and cost. No sign-up required.
Go to Calculator ↑