How many bags of play sand do I need for a sandbox?

Multiply length by width by depth in feet to get cubic feet, then divide by 0.5. A 4 by 4 foot sandbox filled 6 inches deep needs 8 cubic feet, or 16 bags. A 6 by 6 foot box at 8 inches needs 24 cubic feet, or 48 bags.

How deep should sand be in a sandbox?

Six to twelve inches. Toddlers are happy with six; older kids digging holes and building castles want ten or twelve. Leave three to four inches between the sand and the rim to keep it in the box.

How much does a 50 lb bag of play sand cover?

About half a cubic foot — enough to cover 3 square feet at 2 inches deep, or 1 square foot at 6 inches.

Choose sand labelled washed and screened, and ideally tested for low crystalline silica dust. Natural beach or river sand is a good alternative. Avoid crushed-rock sands, which are sharp and dusty.

Sand, Soil & Mulch

Play Sand Calculator for Sandboxes

Sandboxes eat more sand than people expect: a modest 5 by 5 foot box filled 8 inches deep needs about 34 bags. Enter your sandbox size and fill depth to get the number of 50 lb bags, the total weight, and whether a bulk delivery would be cheaper.

What you'll need

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Aqua Joe Premium Pool & Spa Filter Sand, 50 Lb Bag, FLTSAND50

$32.97

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TICONN 4.80/4.00-8 Tire, 14.5" Flat Free Wheelbarrow Tire and Wheel

$34.95

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VNIMTI Heavy Duty Gardening Shovel, 56 Inch Round Blade with Fiberglass Handle (Orange)

$28.04

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Palmetto Pool Filter Sand for Swimming Pools, 50 Lbs, Natural Silica

$29.99

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Prices as of Sep 25, 2026, 6:18 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

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Frequently asked questions

How many bags of play sand do I need for a sandbox?: Multiply length by width by depth in feet to get cubic feet, then divide by 0.5. A 4 by 4 foot sandbox filled 6 inches deep needs 8 cubic feet, or 16 bags. A 6 by 6 foot box at 8 inches needs 24 cubic feet, or 48 bags.
How deep should sand be in a sandbox?: Six to twelve inches. Toddlers are happy with six; older kids digging holes and building castles want ten or twelve. Leave three to four inches between the sand and the rim to keep it in the box.
How much does a 50 lb bag of play sand cover?: About half a cubic foot — enough to cover 3 square feet at 2 inches deep, or 1 square foot at 6 inches.
Is play sand safe?: Choose sand labelled washed and screened, and ideally tested for low crystalline silica dust. Natural beach or river sand is a good alternative. Avoid crushed-rock sands, which are sharp and dusty.