How Much Does a Sandbag Weigh on Average?
A standard sandbag filled with sand weighs approximately 35 to 40 pounds. This weight can vary depending on the type of sand, moisture content, and how full the bag is. Partially filled bags used for flood control typically weigh around 30 pounds for easier handling and stacking.
In emergency applications like flood defense, sandbags are often only filled halfway (about 30 to 35 pounds) to allow placement flexibility and prevent tearing under pressure. In construction or ballast applications, sandbags may be filled to full capacity, reaching up to 50 pounds or more, depending on the bag size and sand type.
Getting to know the typical weight of a sandbag helps ensure proper handling, especially during rapid deployment for flood control, erosion prevention, or construction use.
Figuring out the average sandbag weight
So, how much does a full sandbag weigh? The answer depends on the dimensions of the bag, how full it is, and the type of fill material used—typically sand or soil. On average, a properly filled sandbag weighs 35 to 40 pounds, though this can vary significantly depending on moisture levels, sand type, and bag size. Knowing how to calculate sandbag weight is critical for construction projects, erosion control, and flood prevention where stability and barrier effectiveness are key.
To determine the average weight of a filled sandbag, you first need to calculate its volume, then multiply by the density of the fill material. The most common fill is dry sand, which weighs about 100 pounds per cubic foot.
Step 1: Calculate Volume
Use this formula to find the volume of the bag in cubic feet:
Length (in) × Width (in) × Height (in) ÷ 1,728 = Cubic Feet
For example, a standard sandbag measuring 14″ × 26″ and filled to half its height (13″) would be:
14 × 26 × 13 ÷ 1,728 ≈ 2.74 cubic feet
Step 2: Calculate Weight
Next, multiply the volume by the density of dry sand, which is typically 100 pounds per cubic foot:
2.74 × 100 = 274 pounds (if completely full, which is not recommended)
Most sandbags are filled only halfway to prevent overfill and improve flexibility and stability in stacking. So, divide that number by 2 for a realistic weight:
274 ÷ 2 ≈ 137 pounds
However, this is still high. In practice, a typical filled sandbag is about 0.35 cubic feet, giving:
0.35 × 100 = 35 pounds
Try this with our sand bag calculator to get a fast estimate for your project.
How heavy are sandbags by bag volume?
The weight of a sandbag depends largely on its volume and whether it is filled with dry or wet sand. Sand density changes when moisture is present—dry sand weighs about 100 pounds per cubic foot, while wet sand can weigh 120–130 pounds per cubic foot.
Knowing the weight helps with safe handling, storage, and placement, whether you’re using commercial-grade products or homemade sandbags for temporary use.
Here’s a breakdown of estimated weights based on common sandbag sizes we stock:
| Bag Volume (Cubic Feet) | Weight (Dry Sand) | Weight (Wet Sand) |
|---|---|---|
| 0.33 cu ft (14" x 26") half full | ~33 lbs | ~40–43 lbs |
| 0.50 cu ft (18" x 30") half full | ~50 lbs | ~60–65 lbs |
| 0.75 cu ft (20" x 36") half full | ~75 lbs | ~90–98 lbs |
| 1.00 cu ft (25" x 40") half full | ~100 lbs | ~120–130 lbs |
These estimates are based on standard filling practices where bags are filled half to two-thirds full to prevent overfilling and to improve stacking, flexibility, and safety.
Additional reading: military sandbags
Not sure which sandbag size you need?
Choosing the right sandbag size can play a major role in how effectively your barrier or sandbag wall performs. Whether you’re working on flood prevention, erosion control, or construction support, the size you need depends on your specific application, how many bags you need to hold back water or soil, and how easy they are to carry and move.
Our woven polypropylene sandbags are durable, strong, and available in various sizes to suit everything from small residential needs to heavy-duty commercial projects. We also offer natural burlap bags made from biodegradable jute, which are perfect for temporary use on natural ground or where environmental impact is a concern.
✔ Need help figuring it out? Our team can guide you through choosing the perfect sandbag size, whether you need standard 14 x 26 inch bags, something larger, or a custom option.
From 60 lb heavy-duty sandbags to lightweight versions anyone can move, we’ll help you find a solution that works within your budget and purpose.
Browse our range of sand bags for sale today to get sandbags that fit your project and can be deployed quickly and effectively.
What can influence the weight of a sandbag?
While sandbags may seem simple, several factors can affect how much they weigh. Getting to know these variables helps ensure you’re using the right bags for your project—whether you’re reinforcing a barrier, building a sandbag wall, or stocking up for flood prevention.
Below are the key elements that influence sandbag weight.
Material
The material a sandbag is made from directly affects its overall weight—even before filling. Common materials include polypropylene fabric and burlap.
- Polypropylene sandbags are lightweight and water-resistant. The fabric adds very little weight on its own, but offers durability for long-term use and outdoor exposure.
- Burlap bags, made from natural jute, are biodegradable but heavier when wet. They absorb water easily, increasing the total sandbag weight and making them less ideal for reuse.
- When comparing woven vs non-woven materials, woven polypropylene is the standard for most construction and flood-prevention use due to its strength and ability to hold shape under pressure.
Although the material itself doesn’t account for much of the bag’s weight, it can impact how much moisture the bag retains and whether it stays structurally sound when stacked or moved repeatedly.
Wet or dry sand
Moisture content is one of the most significant variables.
- Dry sand weighs about 100 pounds per cubic foot.
- Wet sand can weigh 120 to 130 pounds per cubic foot, depending on saturation.
A standard 14″ x 26″ sandbag filled halfway with dry sand weighs around 33 to 35 lbs. That same bag filled with wet sand could weigh 40 to 45 lbs or more. The added weight makes sandbags harder to carry and stack, especially during rapid deployment scenarios.
Filling Level and Contents
How much you fill a sandbag—and with what—can significantly influence its weight and performance.
- Overfilling increases the weight and makes the bag harder to carry or stack, while underfilling may reduce its ability to form a tight barrier. Bags are usually filled halfway to two-thirds full for best results.
- Sand is the most common fill material due to its density and compatibility, but soil or crushed gravel is sometimes used. These alternatives can weigh less per cubic foot but may shift more easily or compact unevenly.
- Used bags that have absorbed water or picked up debris and silt from past use can also weigh more, making them harder to handle and less predictable during deployment.
Type of Fill Material
While sand is the standard, different fill materials can affect weight and handling:
- Crushed gravel or small stones may weigh more per volume and are less compact, which affects how tightly the bags stack.
- Clay soil can retain more water and become significantly heavier.
- Lightweight materials, like compost or sawdust (used in some erosion control sandbags), reduce weight but also reduce stability.
Sandbag Condition and Age
Older sandbags—especially burlap or biodegradable bags—can absorb water or deteriorate, changing their weight and structure:
- Worn or stretched bags may hold more material than intended, adding unexpected weight.
- Previously used bags may contain residual sediment, moisture, or contaminants, which adds to the overall mass.
Environmental Exposure
Environmental conditions play a role in both short- and long-term weight changes:
- Rainfall or flooding can soak bags left outdoors, especially non-coated burlap, increasing their weight significantly.
- Freezing temperatures can cause water inside or around the bag to freeze, making it heavier and harder to move.
- UV exposure may degrade bags over time, especially if they’re not UV-treated, which can lead to material weakening and unintentional weight loss as the bag begins to break down.
Additional reading: UV-resistant sandbags
In-Bag Liner or Added Protection
Some bags include interior liners (polyethylene or foil-based) to protect contents from moisture, particularly in food or chemical storage. These liners add minor weight on their own but can impact how the bag holds moisture, which affects total weight over time.
Compaction During Transport or Storage
Bags that are stored under pressure or stacked for long periods may become more dense and compact, especially if filled with sand or soil. This compaction may not increase the actual fill volume, but it can increase perceived weight and make bags feel more difficult to lift or move.
Sandbag size
Finally, bag dimensions play a major role in determining total weight. The larger the bag, the more material it can hold—and the heavier it becomes.
Standard sandbag sizes we stock include:
- 14″ x 26″ woven polypropylene bag: Holds approx. 0.33 cubic feet of sand; filled weight is 35–45 lbs
- 18″ x 30″ bag: Holds approx. 0.50 cubic feet; filled weight is 50–65 lbs
- 20″ x 36″ bag: Holds approx. 0.75 cubic feet; filled weight is 75–90 lbs
Bulk bags (FIBCs or super sacks) are used for larger-scale applications.
- A standard super sack measuring 35″ x 35″ x 50″ can hold up to 2,500–3,000 lbs of sand, depending on fill level and moisture.
- Super sack dimensions vary widely and can be customized according to need. They are ideal for industrial flood control, construction site stabilization, or mass ballast.
Additional reading: empty sandbags
How much does a bag of sand weigh? Key takeaways
The weight of a bag of sand depends on several factors—size, fill level, moisture content, and bag material. On average:
- A standard 14″ x 26″ sandbag filled halfway with dry sand weighs about 35 pounds.
- That same bag filled with wet sand can weigh up to 45 pounds or more.
- Depending on dimensions and fill, larger sandbags, such as FIBCs or super sacks, can hold 2,000 to 3,000 pounds of material.
Key takeaways:
- Moisture increases weight significantly.
- Fill level and type of fill material (sand vs. soil or gravel) affect handling and stacking.
- Bag size and material (e.g., burlap vs. woven polypropylene) play a role in total weight and durability.
Still not sure which sandbag is best for your application? Whether you’re planning for flood control, construction, or erosion prevention, we’re here to help.
Contact us today for expert guidance on selecting the right sandbags for your needs.
Sandbag Weigh FAQ
By Purvis King
Bringing over 35 years of textile and flexible packaging experience to Palmetto, Mr. King earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics and Physics from Augusta College in 1985. He is skilled in all aspects of manufacturing and engineering of flexible, woven polypropylene plastics. In his free time Mr. King enjoys playing disc golf with his two sons and enjoying the outdoors.
