The contractor standard for ordering bulk sand by the cubic yard (yd³).
Contractor standard scoop estimating 3ft × 3ft × 3ft bulk delivery volume.
Contractor standard scoop estimating 3ft × 3ft × 3ft bulk delivery volume.
Standard bulk supply formulas used across landscaping and contractor estimating.
Direct contractor formula using square footage and depth in inches.
Calculates dry sand tonnage for bulk ordering and delivery logistics.
A cubic yard equals a 3 ft wide × 3 ft long × 3 ft high solid cube.
In landscaping and building material supply yards in North America, sand is sold by the Cubic Yard (or simply "yard").
Cubic Yards = (Length in ft × Width in ft × (Depth in inches ÷ 12)) ÷ 27
Practical guidance on cubic yard estimations, square foot coverages, and bulk deliveries.
Use the contractor standard rule: Cubic Yards = (Square Footage × Depth in Inches) ÷ 324. For instance, an area of 600 sq ft covered 2 inches deep requires: (600 × 2) ÷ 324 = 3.70 cubic yards.
A standard contractor wheelbarrow holds 3 cubic feet of material. Since 1 cubic yard contains 27 cubic feet, it takes exactly 9 full wheelbarrow loads (3 cu ft) or 13 to 14 standard DIY wheelbarrow loads (2 cu ft).
One cubic yard (27 CFT) provides the following surface coverage:
• 1 inch depth: 324 sq ft
• 2 inches depth: 162 sq ft
• 3 inches depth: 108 sq ft
• 4 inches depth: 81 sq ft
Bulk construction sand typically costs between $35 and $60 per cubic yard picked up at the quarry or landscape yard. Delivery charges typically range from $60 to $150 flat drop fee depending on hauling distance.