How much does play sand cost?

Delivered in Florida, play sand starts from $33.92/ton on a full truck (about 21 tons). For a small load, 2 tons from $411.34 delivered (play sand). Delivery is included, with no separate fee; the minimum order is 1 ton, and smaller loads cost more per ton. Calculate above, then enter your ZIP for your exact quote.

Play sand vs mason sand for a sandbox?

Play sand is rounder and softer on bare skin. Mason sand is finer and sticks more — fine to use but messier.

How many tons fit in a dump truck?

A full load is about 21 tons of stone or sand. Bigger orders go out in more than one load, and the calculator shows the truck count with your result. Delivery is in the price, so a full load is the cheapest per ton.

Do I need to be home for delivery?

Best if someone is there to show the driver the spot. Not required: ask for a photo of the drop. Dumped from the street or driveway. A backyard works if the entrance is wide enough. Off the public road, you take responsibility for any damage. It comes in one pile and isn’t spread. Delivery in 2–3 business days, on a weekday you choose.

Sandbox sand calculator · tons

Play Sand Calculator

How much play sand for your sandbox? Measure the box and get the tons.

1 · Material

Play Sand · sold by the ton

2 · Two quick choices: depth, then size

2a · Pick a depth

2b · Then measure your sandboxes

Length × width in feet. Add as many sandboxes as you need; we add them up.

LengthftWidthft

Recommended order

4 tons

of Play Sand

≈ 3.1 yd³ · covers 64 sq ft at 12″ · 1 dump truck

64 sq ft × 12 in ÷ 12 ÷ 27 = 2.37 yd³ × 1.3 t/yd³ = 3.1 tons. Plus 15% for compaction and spreading, rounded up to a whole ton.

3 · Get your delivered quote

One ton of play sand

≈ 0.77 yd³ (21 cu ft)
covers 21 sq ft at 12″
a yd³ weighs about 2,600 lb
a full truck is about 21 tons

Convert tons ↔ cubic yards →

About this material: Play Sand →

How much does a ton of play sand cover?

Cubic yards = area (sq ft) × depth (in) ÷ 12 ÷ 27. Tons = cubic yards × the material’s density. The calculator then adds the buffer for compaction and spreading and rounds up. Tons use our catalog densities: play sand 1.3 t/yd³.

Swipe the table sideways →

Depth	Used for	Coverage	Per 100 sq ft
8″	Shallow sandbox for toddlers.	31 sq ft per ton	3.21 tons
12″	Most sandboxes. (typical)	21 sq ft per ton	4.81 tons
18″	Deep play pit.	14 sq ft per ton	7.22 tons

Before the buffer. Updated November 2026

How much play sand for common projects

Swipe the table sideways →

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

Before the buffer. Measure your own areas above for an order quantity.

Play sand delivered in Florida

Delivered by dump truck. “From” prices are per ton on a full truck, delivery included; the second line is the smallest load.

Play Sand →Soft sand for sandboxes and play areas.From $33.92/ton on a full truck2 tons from $411.34 delivered

Play sand mistakes to avoid

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.