Decorative & Hardscape · Contractor Estimation Tool

Decomposed Granite (DG) Calculator

Estimate tons, cubic yards, and stabilizer quantities of 1/4"-minus decomposed granite for patios, paths, and bocce courts.

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How the Decomposed Granite (DG) Calculator Works

Finely weathered granitic aggregate that compacts into a firm, natural-looking permeable surface commonly used for walkways and courtyards. Our Decomposed Granite (DG) Calculator computes exact geometric volume in cubic feet and cubic yards, then converts volume into US short tons (2,000 lbs) using the typical bulk density of Decomposed Granite (DG 1/4"-Minus Fines) (2,970 lb/yd³ or 1.49 tons/yd³).

Mathematical Formula for Decomposed Granite:
1. Area (sq ft) = Length (ft) × Width (ft)
2. Volume (cu ft) = Area (sq ft) × [Depth (inches) ÷ 12]
3. Volume (cu yd) = Volume (cu ft) ÷ 27
4. Recommended Volume = Base Volume × (1 + 15% Ordering Adjustment)
5. Estimated Tons = Recommended Cubic Yards × 1.49 tons/yd³

Step-by-Step Worked Example

Example Project: 20 ft × 14 ft Area at 3 Inches Depth (+15% Adjustment)

Surface Area: 20 ft × 14 ft = 280 sq ft.
Base Volume: 280 sq ft × (3 ÷ 12) = 70.0 cu ft (2.59 cubic yards).
With +15% Ordering Adjustment: 2.59 yd³ × 1.15 = 2.98 cubic yards.
Weight in US Short Tons: 2.98 yd³ × 1.49 tons/yd³ = 4.43 tons (8,855 lbs).

Primary Applications & Contractor Best Practices

Garden trails and rustic pathways: Engineered for reliable coverage, drainage stability, and long-term performance.
Courtyard patios and bocce courts: Engineered for reliable coverage, drainage stability, and long-term performance.
Xeriscape lawn alternatives: Engineered for reliable coverage, drainage stability, and long-term performance.
Flagstone joint and base material: Engineered for reliable coverage, drainage stability, and long-term performance.

Coverage & Tonnage Quick Reference Table (Decomposed Granite (DG 1/4"-Minus Fines))

Estimated cubic yards and US short tons (including +15% ordering adjustment) across common project square footages:

Project Area	2" Depth	3" Depth	4" Depth	6" Depth
100 sq ft	1.05 t (0.71 yd³)	1.58 t (1.06 yd³)	2.11 t (1.42 yd³)	3.16 t (2.13 yd³)
250 sq ft	2.64 t (1.77 yd³)	3.95 t (2.66 yd³)	5.27 t (3.55 yd³)	7.91 t (5.32 yd³)
500 sq ft	5.27 t (3.55 yd³)	7.91 t (5.32 yd³)	10.54 t (7.10 yd³)	15.81 t (10.65 yd³)
1,000 sq ft	10.54 t (7.10 yd³)	15.81 t (10.65 yd³)	21.08 t (14.20 yd³)	31.63 t (21.30 yd³)
1,500 sq ft	15.81 t (10.65 yd³)	23.72 t (15.97 yd³)	31.63 t (21.30 yd³)	47.44 t (31.94 yd³)

Frequently Asked Questions

Multiply your project length (20 ft) by width (14 ft) to get area (280 sq ft). Multiply by depth in feet (3 in ÷ 12 = 0.25 ft) to get 70.0 cubic feet, then divide by 27 to get 2.59 base cubic yards. Adding a 15% ordering adjustment gives 2.98 yd³, which equals 4.43 US short tons at 2970 lb/yd³.

One cubic yard (27 cubic feet) of Decomposed Granite (DG 1/4"-Minus Fines) weighs approximately 2,970 pounds, or 1.49 US short tons (110 lbs per cubic foot). Typical regional quarry densities range between 2,800 and 3,100 lb/yd³.

For most decomposed granite installations, a typical compacted depth is 3 inches (our default preset uses 3 inches). Always excavate soft organic topsoil and install woven or non-woven geotextile fabric before spreading aggregate.

At 1.49 tons per cubic yard, 1 US short ton equals 0.67 cubic yards (18.2 cu ft). That covers approximately 109 sq ft at 2" deep, 73 sq ft at 3" deep, and 55 sq ft at 4" deep.