Decomposed Granite (DG) Calculator

Estimate exact tonnage, cubic yards, and square footage coverage for natural or stabilized decomposed granite (DG) walkways and patios.

Interactive Material & Cost Estimator

Density: 2,900 lbs/yd³ (1.45 tons/yd³)

1. Select Project Area Shape

Length (Feet)

Width (Feet)

Desired Depth (Inches)

Waste / Cut / Compaction Buffer

2. Select Package / Unit Size

Price / Unit ($)

Bulk / yd³ ($)

Delivery ($)

Estimated Material Needed 150 sq ft @ 3" depth (+10% buffer)

Bulk Volume (Cubic Yards) 1.53 41.3 cubic feet

Estimated Total Weight 2.22 US Tons (4,431 lbs)

Store Bag Count 83 bags

Pallet Estimate (56 bags) ~1.48 pallets

Estimated Project Material Cost Bulk Saves $345

Retail Package Total $539.50 Before local sales tax

Bulk + Truck Delivery $194.31 Includes $95 delivery

Quick Reference Coverage Chart (Gravel & Stone)

Instant pre-calculated material estimates for common US residential project sizes before compaction buffer:

Typical US Project	Area	Depth	Volume	Weight	Store Bags
Garden Pathway (4 ft × 25 ft)	100 sq ft	3 inches	1.03 cu yd	1.49 tons (2,980 lbs)	56 bags
Backyard Patio Area (15 ft × 15 ft)	225 sq ft	3 inches	2.31 cu yd	3.35 tons (6,700 lbs)	125 bags

Engineering Formula & Material Density Constant

Cubic Yards = (Length (ft) × Width (ft) × (Depth (in) ÷ 12)) ÷ 27

Decomposed granite (DG) is heavily weathered granite rock broken down into fine sand and gravel particles. It weighs approximately 2,900 lbs (1.45 tons) per cubic yard.

Natural vs. Stabilized Decomposed Granite

Natural DG packs down well under foot traffic but can wash away during heavy US downpours or stick to shoes. For pathways, mixing organic or resin stabilizers (such as stabilizer powder at 15 lbs per ton) binds the fines together like asphalt while maintaining a natural rustic look.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does decomposed granite track into the house?

Unstabilized DG can track loose particles indoors. Stabilizer resin or polymeric binder significantly reduces tracking.

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