Decomposed Granite Calculator

Get tons and cubic yards of decomposed granite for a path or patio.

Inputs
ft ×
ft
in
Results update as you type — no submit
ResultsLIVE
Tons to order
1.81 tons
= 1.64 t (metric)
Cubic yards
1.3 cu yd
≈ 0.98 m³
Cubic yards1.3 cu yd
Approx. weight3,623 lb ≈ 1.81 tons
Formula
volume = 40 × 3 × (3÷12) = 30 cu ft = 1.1 cu yd + 15% → 1.3 cu yd
weight = 1.3 cu yd × 1.42 tons/yd³ = 1.81 tons
DG compacts ≈ 15% when tamped, so order loose volume plus the allowance. Sold by the ton.
Diagram — area planNTS
40′ 0″3′ 0″DEPTH: 3″DG PATH · DASHED = EDGE RESTRAINT
MeasureShedmeasureshed.com/calculator/decomposed-granite-calculator
Decomposed granite — material listUNITS: FT · SCALE: NTS
Inputs
Area40 × 3 ft
Depth3″
Waste+15%
Results
Tons to order1.81 tons
Volume1.3 cu yd
Weight3,623 lb
Area planDEPTH: 3″ · NTS
40′ 0″3′ 0″DEPTH: 3″DG PATH · DASHED = EDGE RESTRAINT
Shopping list
☐ 1.81 tons of decomposed granite (1.3 cu yd)
Formula
volume = 40 × 3 × (3÷12) = 30 cu ft = 1.1 cu yd + 15% → 1.3 cu yd
weight = 1.3 cu yd × 1.42 tons/yd³ = 1.81 tons
Estimates for planning only — verify before purchaseSHEET 1 OF 1
How it works

Decomposed granite — DG — is the fine, buff-colored aggregate used for natural-looking paths and patios. It is sold by the ton and by the cubic yard, and this calculator finds both. It multiplies length by width for the area, multiplies by depth for the loose volume, and multiplies volume by weight per cubic yard to get tons. Depth entered in inches is divided by twelve to match the feet used for area.

The weight uses a loose density of about 1.42 tons per cubic yard. DG is meant to be compacted: it tamps down roughly fifteen percent, so you order the loose volume plus that allowance and let it settle into a firm surface. The default here carries a fifteen-percent compaction factor for exactly that reason.

Surfacing lifts are usually two to three inches; deeper builds go in layers, each wetted and compacted. Because coverage moves with depth, the depth field is the one to set with care.

Worked example
Path 40 ft × 3 ft · depth 3″ · +15% compaction
volume = 40 × 3 × (3 ÷ 12) = 30 cu ft = 1.11 cu yd
with 15% = 1.28 cu yd → tons = 1.28 × 1.42 = 1.81 tons
Questions from the yard
About 1.42 tons loose — close to 2,800 lb per cubic yard. Once compacted it is denser, but you buy it loose, so the loose figure plus a compaction allowance is what to order.
Estimates for planning only — verify before purchase
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