Decomposed Granite Calculator: Estimate Cubic Yards, Tons & Bags (2026 Cost Guide)
Weathered granite fines (1/4" minus) that compact into a firm, natural-looking surface for paths and patios.
Decomposed granite (DG) is a favorite in the Southwest and on the West Coast for permeable patios and paths. Natural DG stays loose; stabilized DG includes a binder that hardens like soft concrete. Install 3 inches for paths and 4 inches for patios, compacted in layers.
1Measure your area
2Prices (optional)
+ $90 typical delivery
Your Decomposed Granite estimate
Total volume
2.13 cu. yd
Bags needed
115
Estimated weight
2.77 tons
Bulk order
2.5 cu. yd
- Bulk (2.5 yd + delivery)Best value$228
$138 material + $90 delivery
- Bagged (115 × 0.5 cu. ft bag (~50 lb))$803
$6.98 per bag
Bulk delivery saves about $575. Prices are US averages — enter your local quotes above.
Can my truck haul it?
- Mid-size pickup (~1,000 lbs)6 trips
- Half-ton pickup (F-150 / Silverado 1500) (~1,500 lbs)4 trips
- 3/4-ton pickup (2500 series) (~2,500 lbs)3 trips
- 1-ton pickup (3500 series) (~4,000 lbs)2 trips
Material shopping list
| Decomposed Granite — bulk≈ 2.77 tons · $228 delivered | 2.5 cu. yd |
| Decomposed Granite — or bagged (0.5 cu. ft bag (~50 lb))$803 at $6.98/bag | 115 bags |
| Coverage3" deep · 15% overage included | 200 sq. ft |
Prices are estimates. Confirm bag yield (cu. ft) on the package before buying.
How much decomposed granite do I need? Quick-reference table
Pre-calculated amounts for common project sizes, including a 15% overage. Bags are based on the 0.5 cu. ft bag (~50 lb); weight uses 2,600 lbs per cubic yard.
| Area | Depth | Cubic yards | Cubic feet | Bags | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10×10 ft (100 sq. ft) | 2" | 0.71 | 19.2 | 39 | 0.92 tons |
| 10×10 ft (100 sq. ft) | 3" | 1.06 | 28.7 | 58 | 1.38 tons |
| 10×10 ft (100 sq. ft) | 4" | 1.42 | 38.3 | 77 | 1.85 tons |
| 12×12 ft (144 sq. ft) | 2" | 1.02 | 27.6 | 56 | 1.33 tons |
| 12×12 ft (144 sq. ft) | 3" | 1.53 | 41.4 | 83 | 1.99 tons |
| 12×12 ft (144 sq. ft) | 4" | 2.04 | 55.2 | 111 | 2.66 tons |
| 20×20 ft (400 sq. ft) | 2" | 2.84 | 76.7 | 154 | 3.69 tons |
| 20×20 ft (400 sq. ft) | 3" | 4.26 | 115 | 230 | 5.54 tons |
| 20×20 ft (400 sq. ft) | 4" | 5.68 | 153.3 | 307 | 7.38 tons |
How much area does a cubic yard of decomposed granite cover?
| Depth | 1 cu. yd covers | 1 ton covers | 1 bag covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1" | 324 sq. ft | 249 sq. ft | 6 sq. ft |
| 2" | 162 sq. ft | 125 sq. ft | 3 sq. ft |
| 3" | 108 sq. ft | 83 sq. ft | 2 sq. ft |
| 4" | 81 sq. ft | 62 sq. ft | 1.5 sq. ft |
| 6" | 54 sq. ft | 42 sq. ft | 1 sq. ft |
The decomposed granite formula, step by step
This calculator uses the standard US bulk-material formula:Cubic Yards = (Area in sq. ft × (Depth in inches ÷ 12)) ÷ 27. Here's a worked example for a 12 × 12 ft area at 3 inches deep:
- Measure the area. Multiply length × width in feet to get square feet. Break irregular shapes into rectangles and add them.
- Convert depth to feet. Divide the depth in inches by 12. A 3" layer is 0.25 ft.
- Calculate cubic feet and yards. Multiply square feet × depth in feet for cubic feet, then divide by 27 for cubic yards.
- Add a waste factor. Multiply by 1.15 to add 15% for settling, compaction and spillage.
- Convert to bags and tons. Divide cubic feet by 0.5 for 0.5 cu. ft bag (~50 lb), and multiply cubic yards by 1.3 for tons.
Result: 144 sq. ft × 0.25 ft = 36cu. ft ÷ 27 = 1.33 cubic yards. With 15% extra that's 1.53 cu. yd — about 83 bags or 1.99 tons.
Decomposed Granite cost guide (2026)
- Bulk:$40–$90 per cubic yard (US average ≈ $55), plus about $90 delivery.
- Bagged:0.5 cu. ft bag (~50 lb) ≈ $6.98 each — 54 bags per yard, or about $377 per cubic yard.
- Weight: 2,600 lbs per cubic yard (1.3tons). A half-ton pickup can safely carry about 0.58 cu. yd per trip.
Pro tips for installing decomposed granite
- Compact in 1–2 inch layers, wetting each layer before tamping.
- Choose stabilized DG for slopes or patios with furniture.
- DG compacts significantly — the default 15% waste factor covers compaction loss.
- Use metal or paver edging; DG will creep into lawns and beds.
Common uses
- Garden paths and patios
- Around pavers and stepping stones
- Bocce courts and seating areas
Decomposed Granite FAQ
How much decomposed granite do I need for a 10×10 patio?
At 3 inches deep, a 10×10 ft patio needs 0.93 cubic yards. With 15% added for compaction, order about 1.07 yards — round to 1.5 yards if your supplier sells in half-yard increments.
How much does a yard of decomposed granite weigh?
Roughly 2,500–2,800 lbs per cubic yard (about 1.3 tons), heavier when wet.
Is stabilized decomposed granite worth it?
For patios, slopes and high-traffic paths, yes. The binder prevents erosion and tracking into the house, though it costs about 30–50% more than natural DG.
Does decomposed granite need a base?
In well-drained soil you can install DG directly on compacted subgrade. On clay or wet soil, add 2–4 inches of compacted road base underneath.