Free Calculator
Play Sand Calculator — How Much Play Sand Do I Need?
Tons of washed rounded sandbox sand, sized to depth.
3. Enter Dimensions
Your order summary lands here
As soon as the dimensions are valid, you will see the recommended quantity, truckload count, and the ZIP pricing step.
Play sand is the washed, rounded sand graded for sandboxes and home play areas. Use this calculator for the sandbox fill. For a full safety-rated playground fall surface, use the playground calculator instead.
How to use this play sand calculator
- 1
Measure the inside of the box
Sandbox: inside length × width. Free-form play area: longest length × widest width.
- 2
Pick the depth
Sandbox: 8–12 inches (default 8"). Free-form play areas with no equipment: 4–6 inches.
- 3
Plan for settlement
Play sand settles 20–25% in the first month. Order to the brim and top off at the 30-day mark.
- 4
Enter your ZIP
Florida ZIPs return delivered pricing per ton.
How the math works
Volume in cubic yards equals Length × Width × Depth ÷ 27. Play sand has a density of about 1.2 tons per cubic yard.
A 6 × 6 ft sandbox at 10 inches deep needs 36 × (10/12) ÷ 27 ≈ 1.1 cu yds ≈ 1.4 tons.
For ASTM F1292 fall-rated playground surfaces, depths are set by equipment fall height — use the playground calculator instead.
How much does play sand cover?
Quick reference for how much area one ton and one cubic yard cover at common depths.
| Depth | 1 ton covers | 1 cubic yard covers |
|---|---|---|
| 1" | 249 sq ft | 324 sq ft |
| 2" | 125 sq ft | 162 sq ft |
| 3" | 83 sq ft | 108 sq ft |
| 4" | 62 sq ft | 81 sq ft |
| 6" | 42 sq ft | 54 sq ft |
| 12" | 21 sq ft | 27 sq ft |
Assumes a density of about 1.3 tons per cubic yard, typical for mason and concrete sand. Wet or compacted sand covers slightly less per ton.
Typical quantities by project
| Project | Depth | Area | Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sandbox 4 ft × 4 ft × 10" | 10" | 16 sq ft | ~0.6 tons |
| Sandbox 6 ft × 6 ft × 10" | 10" | 36 sq ft | ~1.4 tons |
| Sandbox 8 ft × 8 ft × 12" | 12" | 64 sq ft | ~3 tons |
| Backyard play area 10 ft × 10 ft | 6" | 100 sq ft | ~2.3 tons |
Common ordering mistakes
From real deliveries, these are the mistakes we see most often. Avoiding any one of them saves a callback order.
Mason sand in a sandbox
Works, but is finer and sticks to clothes more. Play sand is rounder and easier to clean off.
Skipping settlement buffer
A "full" sandbox at install will look half-empty after a month of use and rain. Order to the brim.
Beach sand in a sandbox
Beach sand contains salt and shell that irritate skin. Use dedicated play sand.
No drainage
A wood sandbox with a closed bottom holds water and grows mold. Drill drainage holes or use an open bottom over loose gravel.
Frequently asked questions
Ready to see delivered pricing?
Jump back to the calculator to price the exact quantity for your ZIP, or request a manual quote if the project needs special handling.