Decomposed Granite Calculator

Getting the right amount of decomposed granite for your project comes down to three inputs: your project dimensions, the depth you need, and the density of the material you’re buying. Our decomposed granite calculator handles all of this instantly-converting length, width, and depth into cubic yards, tons, and estimated cost so you can order confidently instead of guessing at the supplier yard.

Finally, a Decomposed Granite Calculator Built for U.S. Homeowners and DIYers

If you’ve ever stood in a landscape supply yard trying to figure out how much gravel to order for a patio or walkway, you know the frustration. Order too much and you’re stuck with expensive leftover piles. Order too little and you’re paying a second delivery fee that costs more than the material itself.

A decomposed granite calculator estimates material needed for landscaping projects by turning your square footage and desired depth into precise volume and weight estimates. Instead of wrestling with conversion formulas or relying on a supplier’s rough guess, you get planning-level numbers for cubic yards, how many tons to order, and what your total cost might look like-all in seconds.

This tool was built specifically for decomposed granite, not as a generic gravel calculator repurposed for every rock type. That means the density values, depth recommendations, and waste factors are tuned for DG projects, whether you’re covering garden beds or building a permeable driveway.

Why Our Decomposed Granite Calculator Works

Here’s what separates this tool from generic stone calculators:

• Instant volume and weight conversion – Enter your length, width, and depth to get results in both cubic yards and tons, since calculations often start in cubic yards but suppliers may sell by weight
• DG-specific density settings – Adjustable for natural DG (~1.4 tons per cubic yard) and stabilized DG (~1.4–1.5 tons per cubic yard), because gravel density typically ranges from 1.4 to 1.7 tons per cubic yard depending on material type
• Built-in waste factor – Accounts for spillage, uneven ground, and irregular edges by letting you add 5–15% extra material
• Cost estimation – Enter your local price per ton and see an estimated total before purchasing
• Coverage calculations – Quickly estimate coverage for pathways, patios, and driveways at different depths

Instead of forcing you to find conversion formulas and pull out a calculator app, this tool gives you order-ready numbers in one step.

How the Calculator Works

Getting accurate results requires nothing more than a tape measure and about 30 seconds.

Step 1: Enter Your Project Dimensions

Measure the length and width of your project area in feet. Calculators typically require area length and width measurements to determine square footage. Then select your desired depth in inches-the calculator handles the conversion automatically, since depth must be converted from inches to feet by dividing by 12 before calculations.

You can select from preset project types like walkway, patio, or driveway, which auto-fills recommended depths. The tool handles both rectangular and circular areas-for a circle, just enter the diameter and it computes the area using the standard formula.

Tip for irregular shapes: Irregular shapes should be broken down into smaller sections for accurate square footage measurement. Measure each section separately, then add the results together.

Step 2: Choose Your DG Type and Settings

Select the type of decomposed granite you’re planning to use:

• Natural DG – Default density around 1.4 tons per cubic yard, suitable for most landscaping and decorative projects
• Stabilized DG – Higher density around 1.4–1.5 tons per cubic yard, with polymer binders for firmer surfaces

Then adjust your waste factor. Adding 5–15% extra material accounts for spillage and waste—5% works for small, flat projects while 10–15% is more appropriate for larger installations or uneven terrain.

Optionally, enter your local material cost per ton to generate a budget estimate. Gravel prices vary by location and supplier, so using your actual quote produces more useful numbers than national averages.

Step 3: Get Instant Accurate Results

The calculator delivers:

• Volume in cubic feet and cubic yards
• Weight in tons based on your selected density
• Recommended order quantity with waste factor included
• Estimated total cost if you entered pricing
• Coverage per ton so you can double-check against supplier estimates

To find the volume in cubic yards, the tool uses the formula: Cubic Yards = Length × Width × Depth ÷ 27. It then multiplies by your selected density to convert to tons. A gravel calculator estimates total cost based on price per ton-all of this happens automatically.

What Makes Our Calculator Different

Most online calculators treat decomposed granite the same as crushed stone, pea gravel, river rock, or even lava rock. That’s a problem because each material has different density, compaction behavior, and application depth requirements.

• Pre-set DG density values that reflect typical DG weights, not generic rock assumptions—natural DG weighs roughly 2,700–3,000 lbs per cubic yard, while some finer screenings run closer to 2,400 lbs per cubic yard
• Includes stabilized DG as a separate option, which most calculators ignore entirely despite its growing popularity for walkway and patio projects
• Depth guidance built in – The tool recommends standard depths for pathways or decorative ground cover of 2 to 3 inches, while heavier traffic areas usually require a deeper layer of 4 to 6 inches
• Shows coverage per ton – One ton of decomposed granite covers 100 to 120 square feet at 2 inches deep, approximately 70 to 80 square feet at 3 inches deep, and for driveways, one ton covers about 50 to 60 square feet at 4 inches deep
• Transparent about limitations – Results are planning-level estimates; actual density, moisture content, gradation, and compaction behavior vary by supplier and region

If you’re comparing DG against other options like limestone or granite gravel, understanding these density differences matters when estimating how much material to budget for.

Real Projects, Real Results

Here’s how the calculator performs on actual project scenarios:

200 sq ft patio at 3″ depth: 200 × 3 ÷ 12 = 50 cubic feet → 50 ÷ 27 = 1.85 cubic yards. At 1.4 tons per cubic yard, that’s approximately 2.6 tons. Adding a 10% waste factor brings the order to about 2.85 tons. At $60 per ton for natural DG, material cost lands around $171 before delivery.

Walkway – 50 ft long × 3 ft wide at 2″ depth: Area = 150 square feet. Volume = 150 × 0.167 = 25 cubic feet → 0.93 cubic yards. Weight at 1.4 tons per cubic yard = approximately 1.3 tons. With 10% waste: ~1.43 tons. Without the calculator, a homeowner might have guessed “about 2 tons” and spent an extra $30+ on unneeded material.

500 sq ft driveway at 4″ depth: 500 × (4 ÷ 12) = 166.7 cubic feet → 6.17 cubic yards. At 1.5 tons per cubic yard (stabilized DG): approximately 9.25 tons. With 10% waste → ~10.2 tons. At a stabilized DG price of ~$185 per ton, that’s roughly $1,885 in material-a number worth knowing before you commit.

These examples show how desired depth influences the amount of decomposed granite needed and how even small differences in density or waste factor change your total order.

Perfect for These Decomposed Granite Projects

This calculator is ideal for:

• Homeowners planning garden pathways, patios, and landscape areas – Get accurate volume and cost numbers before visiting the supply yard
• DIYers installing permeable driveways and parking areas – Determine the right tonnage for deeper applications where compaction and a proper gravel base are critical
• Small contractors estimating materials for client quotes – Calculate quantities for multiple project areas and produce reliable estimates quickly
• Landscapers designing xeriscaping and drought-resistant ground cover – Decomposed granite is often used for pathways and patios in water-conscious designs, and accurate calculations prevent waste on tight-margin projects

If you need to determine how much gravel for any DG project-from a simple decorative border to a full driveway installation-the calculator scales to match.

Free Tool with Planning-Level Accuracy

The calculator is completely free to use with no registration required. Open the page, enter your dimensions, and get results immediately.

A few important notes to keep in mind:

• Results are planning-level estimates designed for material ordering and budgeting-not engineering specifications
• Actual density varies based on your supplier’s specific DG product, moisture content at time of delivery, and particle gradation (fine vs. coarse)
• Always confirm bulk density with your local supplier, especially if you’re ordering stabilized or resin-bound DG
• A minimum depth of 2–4 inches of gravel is recommended for most projects, but local soil conditions (especially clay) may require adjustments
• Delivery fees, labor, and compaction equipment rental aren’t included in material cost estimates-factor these into your total construction budget

Decomposed granite requires heavy tamping or plate compaction for solid surfaces. If you’re installing DG in lifts (layers of 1.5–2 inches, moistened and compacted between applications), you may want to calculate volume for each lift separately.

For a deeper understanding of how cubic yards and tons relate, including why your supplier might quote one unit while you’re calculating in another, check our conversion guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How accurate are the decomposed granite calculations?

The calculator provides planning-level accuracy suitable for material ordering and budgeting. It uses industry-standard density ranges-natural DG at approximately 1.4 tons per cubic yard and stabilized DG at around 1.4–1.5 tons per cubic yard-but actual density can vary based on your supplier’s specific product, moisture levels during delivery, and how fine or coarse the particles are. Some sources report DG as light as 1.21 tons per cubic yard for fine screenings, while compacted stabilized material can reach 1.55 or higher. We recommend confirming bulk density with your specific DG supplier before placing large orders.

How many square feet will 1 ton of decomposed granite cover?

At about 1.4 tons per cubic yard (natural DG), one ton covers roughly 116 sq ft at 2 inches deep, 77 sq ft at 3 inches, and 58 sq ft at 4 inches. Stabilized DG is a little heavier, so one ton covers about 108, 72, and 54 sq ft at the same depths. These figures are before any order allowance.

How do you calculate decomposed granite?

Multiply length by width to get square feet, multiply by the depth in feet (inches ÷ 12), and divide by 27 to get cubic yards. Multiply cubic yards by the density, about 1.4 tons per cubic yard for natural DG, to get tons, then add about 10% for spillage and uneven ground. For example, a 20 × 10 ft patio at 3 inches is 200 × 0.25 = 50 cubic feet ÷ 27 = 1.85 cubic yards, or about 2.6 tons, which becomes about 2.85 tons with 10% extra.

What are the downsides of decomposed granite?

Natural DG can shift and rut under heavy use, kick up dust when dry, stick to shoes and get tracked indoors, and wash out on slopes or in heavy rain without edging and drainage. It also needs occasional raking, re-compacting, and top-ups. Stabilized DG reduces dust and erosion, but it costs more, about $185–$225 per ton, and still needs proper edging.

What’s the difference between natural and stabilized DG?

Natural decomposed granite is simply weathered or mechanically crushed granite with no additives. It compacts reasonably well, provides excellent drainage, and costs less-commonly around $60 per ton. However, it can shift, produce dust, and wash away in heavy rain without proper edging and drainage.

Stabilized DG contains polymer or resin binders that help the material stay firm, resist erosion, and reduce dust. It’s denser (higher weight per cubic yard), more durable for paths and patios, and costs more-typically $185–$225 per ton depending on the binder type and region. Gravel is classified by size and production method, and DG behaves differently from materials like crushed stone (which is formed by mechanically crushing stone), pea gravel (which is similar in size to garden peas), or bank run gravel (found next to rivers and streams).

How deep should I install decomposed granite?

Depth depends on how the surface will be used:

• 2 inches – Suitable for decorative landscaping, garden beds, and light ground cover
• 3 inches – Recommended for pedestrian pathways, patio surfaces, and moderate foot traffic areas
• 4–6 inches – Required for driveways and areas with light vehicle traffic, ideally over a compacted aggregate base

To calculate gravel volume, multiply your area by desired depth. Deeper installations need significantly more material-a 4-inch driveway application uses roughly double the material of a 2-inch decorative layer for the same square footage.

Do I need a base under decomposed granite?

For pedestrian surfaces like garden paths and patios, DG can sometimes be installed directly on well-draining, compacted native soil. However, a 3–4 inch compacted crushed stone base dramatically improves long-term stability and drainage performance.

For driveways or any area bearing vehicle weight, a proper aggregate base is strongly recommended-4–6 inches of compacted base material beneath the DG layer. Steel, wood, or stone edging helps contain the material and prevent migration along the edges.

If you have clay soil, drainage becomes especially important. Clay holds moisture and can cause DG to become muddy or settle unevenly. Consulting a local contractor familiar with your soil conditions is a smart step before committing to materials. River stone and smooth, rounded aggregates are sometimes used as decorative borders alongside DG but don’t serve the same structural role as angular crushed stone in a base layer.

Calculate Your Decomposed Granite Needs Now

Scroll to the calculator at the top of this page, enter your project dimensions, and get your estimate in seconds. Whether you’re pricing out a weekend walkway project or planning a full driveway installation, having accurate numbers before you visit the supply yard saves both money and time.

Before purchasing:

• Print or save your results to bring to the supplier
• Confirm the density of the specific DG product you’re buying
• Ask about delivery fees and minimum load requirements-these can significantly affect your total project cost
• Add your waste factor (5–10% for most projects, up to 15% for deep or irregular installations)

The calculator gives you a solid starting point. Your supplier confirms the final number. Together, that’s how you avoid costly ordering mistakes.

Last reviewed: October 2026