How much sand do you need for a 5×5 sandbox?
A 5×5 ft sandbox filled 6 inches deep takes 12.5 cubic feet of sand — 25 bags of 50 lb play sand. For 12 inches deep, buy 50 bags.
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Your results
Sand needed25 bags (50 lb)
Cubic feet12.5 cu ft
Cubic yards0.46 cu yd
Tons (bulk)0.63 tons
Sand for a 5×5 sandbox by depth
| Depth | Cubic feet | 50 lb bags | Tons (bulk) |
|---|
| 4 in | 8.3 | 17 | 0.42 |
| 6 in | 12.5 | 25 | 0.63 |
| 8 in | 16.7 | 34 | 0.83 |
| 10 in | 20.8 | 42 | 1.04 |
| 12 in | 25 | 50 | 1.25 |
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
5 × 5 × 6 in ÷ 12 = 12.5 cu ft
12.5 ÷ 0.5 cu ft per bag = 25 bags
Common questions
How many bags of sand for a 5x5 sandbox?
25 bags of 50 lb sand at 6 inches deep, or 50 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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