You need about
0.49 cubic yards of sand
Includes 10% extra for waste. Weight assumes about 1.35 tons per cubic yard (range 1.25–1.5).
The working
12 ft × 12 ft × 1/12 ft = 12.0 cubic feet. Add 10% = 13.2 cubic feet. Divide by 27 = 0.49 cubic yards.
Change the numbers
What if it is a different depth?
| Depth | Cubic yards | Tons | Bags |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 in (this page) | 0.49 | 0.66 | 27 |
| 2 in | 0.98 | 1.32 | 53 |
| 3 in | 1.47 | 1.98 | 80 |
| 4 in | 1.96 | 2.64 | order bulk |
| 6 in | 2.93 | 3.96 | order bulk |
What you will also need for sand
Tools and supplies that go with this job. These are Amazon search links, so you can compare options and current prices there.
- Paver edge restraint
- Screed board and pipes
- Hand tamper or plate compactor
- Sandbox cover
- Wheelbarrow
- Work gloves
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. These are paid links and cost you nothing extra.
Good to know
A paver bedding layer is a nominal 1 in (ICPI). There is no official depth standard for a home sandbox. We calculate at 6 in, the low end of the 6 to 12 in range supplier guides suggest, and you can change the depth. For a sandbox for children buy sand labelled as play sand (look for a silica-free label) and do not use construction or paver sand. Damp sand is heavier than dry sand.