Landscaping
Decomposed Granite Calculator
Estimate decomposed granite (DG) in cubic yards, tons, and cost. Ideal for paths, patios, and xeriscape.
Inputs
Standard DG with fines compacts firm — the classic surface for garden paths, patios, and pet areas.
Live estimate
Material needed
4.63 cu yd
- Cubic yards
- 4.63 cu yd
- Tons
- 6.25 tons
- Truckloads
- 0.39
- Area
- 500 sq ft
- Cubic feet
- 125
You will likely need
- •4.63 cu yd — material needed
- •Schedule 1 truck load
- •Approximate delivered weight: 6.25 tons
Supplier tip
Most suppliers sell decomposed granite by either the cubic yard or by weight. Confirm your supplier's preferred ordering unit before purchasing.
Weight estimates are based on industry-standard average material densities. Actual delivered weights may vary by supplier and moisture content.
Diagram
Live estimate
- Mathematical quantity
- 5 cu yd
- Compaction demand (already applied)
- Informational
- Field conditions
- Not applied
- Adjusted requirement
- 5 cu yd
- Ordering rule
- Round up to whole ton
- Suggested order
- 5 cu yd
DG paths are compacted; loose delivered volume already exceeds the compacted depth via Advanced options.
What you actually need in the field, before rounding to a supplier-friendly ordering unit.
Estimator confidence
LowerThe primary result already includes the compaction factor from Advanced options. Loose delivered volume exceeds the compacted design depth.
Improve confidence: Verify the compaction percentage in Advanced options matches your spec (typical 15–25%).
Why this behavior applies: Aggregate base is specified as a compacted depth, so the loose delivered volume must exceed it. This calculator applies that factor once — in the primary quantity — and the intelligence layer only explains it.
- Compacted depth — DG paths are compacted; loose delivery volume must exceed compacted depth.
- Stabilizer — Stabilized DG compacts differently than plain crush-and-fines.
- Install in 1-inch lifts, lightly water, and compact each lift.
- Use steel or stone edging — DG is not self-contained.
- Stabilized DG is worth the premium on paths people will walk in rain.
- Skipping edging and losing material into surrounding beds.
- Placing DG in one thick lift instead of compacted layers.
- Confusing DG with crushed granite — DG has fines, crushed granite doesn't.
Smart tips
- Ordering 5–10% extra is standard on irregular layouts. Running short costs more than the excess.
- Compacted bases lose 15–25% of their loose volume. Add compaction to avoid running short.
- Enter your dimensions to see live material estimates.
How it's calculated
Area is derived from your shape inputs and converted to sq ft.
Depth is converted to feet; cubic feet = area × depth.
Cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27, then × (1 + waste %) × (1 + compaction %).
Estimated tons = cubic yards (with waste) × 1.35.
Truckloads = cubic yards (with waste) ÷ truck capacity.
Total cost = cubic yards (with waste) × price per cubic yard + delivery.
Material assumptions
- DG density: 1.35 tons per cubic yard.
- Path depth: 2–3 inches. Patio: 3–4 inches, compacted in lifts.
- Stabilized DG uses a binder; add per manufacturer specs.
Frequently asked questions
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Deeper guidance from the Learn library — sizing, depth, waste, and ordering for this material.
- Gravel Calculator Guide: Cubic Yards vs TonsSome suppliers sell gravel by the yard, others by the ton. Here's how to convert between them and order the right amount every time.
- Decorative Rock Size GuideFrom granite screenings to fist-sized boulders — a professional's size chart with matched use cases and coverage rates.
- How to Estimate Gravel for a Driveway4 inches minimum for cars, 6 inches for trucks, over a compacted road-base subgrade.
These results are estimates only. Confirm quantities, compaction, waste, and delivery requirements with your supplier or project professional before ordering materials.