8x8 ft sandbox
Play sand at 6 inches deep.
- Volume
- 1.19 cu yd
- Weight
- 1.48 tons
- Bags
- 60 x 50 lb bags
Bagged sand is usually simpler for this size unless your supplier offers small bulk loads.
How Much Sand Do You Need?
Estimate cubic yards, tons, 50 lb bags, and whether bagged or bulk sand makes more sense for your project.
Last updated: May 10, 2026
Build Your Sand Order
Start with the project, footprint, and depth. Shape, sand type, and measurement units are tucked into Advanced settings.
6-12 inches deep for safe play
Sets a common starter depth and sand type
ft
ft
in
Sandbox / Play Area: using 6 in of Play Sand. Open Advanced settings only if you need a different shape, unit, or sand type.
Sand Order Summary
Suggested order
2 cu yd bulk
Exact estimate is 1.85 cu yd (50 cu ft). Confirm delivery minimums with your supplier.
Estimated weight
2.31 tons
4,630 lb dry
50 lb bags
93 bags
116 bags at 40 lb
Bulk delivery or a rated pickup load is usually easier than handling many bags.
Assumptions: 10 x 10 ft, 6 in deep, Play Sand, dry weight estimate.
Worked Examples
18 ft round pool base
Mason sand at 2 inches deep.
- Volume
- 1.57 cu yd
- Weight
- 2.04 tons
- Bags
- 82 x 50 lb bags
This is heavy enough that bulk delivery usually beats hauling individual bags.
12x12 ft paver bedding
Paver sand at 1 inch deep.
- Volume
- 0.44 cu yd
- Weight
- 0.59 tons
- Bags
- 24 x 50 lb bags
Use this only for the bedding layer above the compacted gravel base.
Sand Depth Guide
| Project | Planning Depth | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Sandbox | 6 to 12 in | 6 in is common for a small backyard box; deeper boxes need much more sand. |
| Above-ground pool base | 2 to 3 in | Enough to smooth and cushion the liner without creating a soft, unstable base. |
| Paver bedding layer | 1 in | This is the leveling layer over gravel base, not a replacement for base stone. |
| Leveling or fill | 2 to 6 in | Use shallow lifts for leveling; deeper fill may need compaction in layers. |
Sand Type Guide
Play sand
Sandboxes and play areas
Washed and screened for a softer texture.
Mason sand
Pool bases and paver bedding
Fine, clean sand that spreads smoothly.
Paver sand
Paver leveling layer
Designed to compact under pavers.
Fill sand
General fill and grading
Economical, but not as clean or uniform.
Concrete sand
Concrete and drainage work
Coarser than play or mason sand.
Bulk vs Bagged Sand
Under 20 bags
Bagged sand
Simple to transport and easy to stage near the project.
20 to 50 bags
Compare both
Bags may still work, but check vehicle payload before loading.
Over 1 cubic yard
Bulk delivery
Usually less handling and often cheaper per yard.
Frequently Asked Questions
One cubic yard of dry sand is roughly 2,500 to 2,750 lb depending on the sand type. That works out to about 50 to 55 bags at 50 lb each. Wet sand is heavier.
Measure the inside length and width, then choose a depth. A common 8x8 ft sandbox at 6 inches deep needs about 1.19 cubic yards, or about 60 bags of 50 lb play sand.
Most above-ground pool bases use about 2 to 3 inches of mason sand. An 18 ft round pool at 2 inches deep needs about 1.57 cubic yards, or just over 2 tons.
Use paver sand or mason sand for the 1 inch bedding layer above the gravel base. Do not use play sand under pavers because it is too fine and can wash or shift.
Dry sand usually weighs about 2,500 to 2,750 lb per cubic yard. Wet sand can weigh 3,000 lb or more per cubic yard, so use the ton estimate as a planning number and confirm with your supplier.
Bagged sand is convenient for small jobs. Once the estimate reaches about 1 cubic yard or 40 to 60 bags, bulk delivery is usually easier and may cost less per yard.