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Landscaping & YardDecomposed Granite Calculator — How Much DG Do I Need?
Enter the area and depth to estimate decomposed granite in cubic yards and tons — for natural pathways, patios, and low-water landscaping.
How this calculator works
Volume = length × width × depth, converted to cubic yards and to tons at about 1.4 tons per cubic yard. DG is sold by the yard or ton, like other crushed stone.
What changes how much you need
- A 2–3 inch compacted surface is typical for paths and patios.
- Compact it in lightly damp layers for a firm finish — order ~15% extra for compaction.
- Stabilized DG (with a binder) resists washout on slopes and high-traffic paths.
- Edge it so the fines don’t migrate into beds and lawns.
- Loose DG migrates on slopes steeper than about 5% — that is where stabilized or resin-coated DG earns its price.
Decomposed granite coverage by depth
These are straight volume-to-area figures. Because DG loses roughly 15% of its loose volume when compacted, order about 15% more than the table shows to finish at that depth — the calculator’s "with 15% extra" line already does this for you.
| Compacted depth | Sq ft per cubic yard | Sq ft per ton (≈1.4 t/yd³) | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 in | 324 sq ft | 230 sq ft | Refreshing or top-dressing an existing DG path |
| 2 in | 162 sq ft | 115 sq ft | Light-use paths, bed cover, xeriscape fill |
| 3 in | 108 sq ft | 77 sq ft | Patios, seating areas, main garden paths |
| 4 in | 81 sq ft | 58 sq ft | Driveways and parking pads, over a compacted base |
DG grades and where each one belongs
All three grades still need edging on both sides and a slight crown so water sheets off instead of channelling down the middle.
| Grade | What it is | Best for | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loose / natural DG | Screened 1⁄4-inch-minus granite with its natural fines | Informal paths, bed cover, xeriscape fill | 2–3 in |
| Stabilized DG | The same material blended with a powdered binder, watered and compacted | Main paths, patios, firm accessible surfaces, gentle slopes | 3 in |
| Resin-coated DG | Fines coated with a resin binder before laying | The hardest and cleanest surface — heavy foot traffic, commercial paths | 2–3 in over a base |
| DG over road base | 2 in of DG on 4 in of compacted 3⁄4-inch minus | Driveways, parking pads, anything carrying a vehicle | 2 in DG + 4 in base |
DG to order by common project
Order quantities include the 15% compaction allowance. Many suppliers have a 1-cubic-yard minimum, so small paths often mean buying more than you need — or bagged DG instead.
| Project | Area | Depth | Order (yd³) | Order (tons) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Side path · 2 × 40 ft | 80 sq ft | 2 in | 0.6 | 0.8 |
| Garden path · 3 × 30 ft | 90 sq ft | 3 in | 1.0 | 1.3 |
| Small patio · 10 × 12 ft | 120 sq ft | 3 in | 1.3 | 1.8 |
| Parking pad (DG layer only) · 10 × 20 ft | 200 sq ft | 2 in over 4 in base | 1.4 | 2.0 |
| Seating area · 14 × 14 ft | 196 sq ft | 3 in | 2.1 | 2.9 |
| Xeriscape bed · 20 × 15 ft | 300 sq ft | 2 in | 2.1 | 3.0 |
Frequently asked questions
How deep should decomposed granite be?
About 2–3 inches compacted for pathways and patios; build it up in ~1.5-inch layers and compact each.
How many tons of DG in a cubic yard?
Roughly 1.4 tons, similar to other crushed stone, varying a little with moisture.
Should I use stabilized DG?
For slopes, heavy foot traffic, or a cleaner surface, yes — a stabilizer binds the fines and cuts washout and tracking.
How much decomposed granite do I need for a path?
A 3 ft × 30 ft path at 3 inches compacted takes about 1 cubic yard, roughly 1.3 tons, once you allow 15% for compaction. A narrow 2-ft side path at 2 inches needs well under a yard — check your supplier’s minimum order before you plan on bulk.
How much area does a ton of DG cover?
Roughly 115 sq ft at 2 inches deep and 77 sq ft at 3 inches, before the compaction allowance. Add about 15% on top to finish at the depth you want.
Do I need a base under decomposed granite?
For foot traffic on firm soil, no — 2–3 inches of DG compacted in lifts straight onto the graded subgrade is standard. For vehicles, or over soft or clay soil, put down 4 inches of compacted 3⁄4-inch minus road base first and finish with 2 inches of DG.
Will decomposed granite wash away in rain?
Loose DG migrates on slopes over about 5% and anywhere runoff concentrates. The three fixes are a stabilizer or resin binder, solid edging on both sides, and a slight crown across the path so water sheets off rather than running down it.
Does DG need to be wet when you compact it?
Yes — lightly damp, not soaked. Dry fines will not bind and the surface stays loose; saturated DG turns to mud and pumps under the compactor. Mist each 1.5-inch lift, compact it, then check that a footprint barely marks the surface.