How much sand do you need for a 4×4 sandbox?
A 4×4 ft sandbox filled 6 inches deep takes 8 cubic feet of sand — 16 bags of 50 lb play sand. For 12 inches deep, buy 32 bags.
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Your results
Sand needed16 bags (50 lb)
Cubic feet8 cu ft
Cubic yards0.3 cu yd
Tons (bulk)0.4 tons
Sand for a 4×4 sandbox by depth
| Depth | Cubic feet | 50 lb bags | Tons (bulk) |
|---|
| 4 in | 5.3 | 11 | 0.27 |
| 6 in | 8 | 16 | 0.4 |
| 8 in | 10.7 | 22 | 0.53 |
| 10 in | 13.3 | 27 | 0.67 |
| 12 in | 16 | 32 | 0.8 |
Bags are the practical choice at this size; look for sand labeled as washed play sand. A breathable cover keeps out leaves and animals.
The math
4 × 4 × 6 in ÷ 12 = 8 cu ft
8 ÷ 0.5 cu ft per bag = 16 bags
Common questions
How many bags of sand for a 4x4 sandbox?
16 bags of 50 lb sand at 6 inches deep, or 32 bags at 12 inches.
Want the full method, tips and other sizes? See the sand calculator guide.
Last reviewed November 1, 2026. Results are estimates — confirm with your supplier.
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