Decomposed Granite Calculator
Cubic yards and tons of decomposed granite for paths, patios and driveways.
Quick estimating rule of thumb
For decomposed granite: length (ft) × width (ft) × depth (in) ÷ 324 = cubic yards. Paths and patios take 2 to 3 inches of compacted DG, about 1.5 tons per yard. Stabilized DG needs the same volume as loose; the binder is not extra fill. Add 10–15% for compaction.
This decomposed granite calculator converts an area and depth into the cubic yards and tons of DG you need for a natural-looking path, a patio, a driveway surface, or a base under pavers and flagstone.
DG compacts hard, so it is ordered loose and then reduced by roughly a quarter under a plate compactor. The tool adds a 10% allowance on top of the finished volume.
Loose, stabilised or resin-bound
Loose DG is the cheapest and most natural, but it tracks into the house and washes in heavy rain. Stabilised DG has a binder mixed in that sets up firmer while still looking natural, and is the usual choice for paths and patios. Resin-bound DG is the hardest and most permeable, and the most expensive.
All three are installed the same way: 3 to 4 inches loose, wet down, and compacted in lifts to a 2 to 3 inch finished depth over a firm sub-base.
How deep
Paths and patios: 2 to 3 inches compacted. Driveways: 4 inches compacted over 4 inches of road base. Under flagstone or pavers as a setting bed: 2 inches. Always compact in 2-inch lifts. A single thick layer will not compact through.
One ton of DG covers about 90 square feet at 2 inches compacted.
Ordering
DG is sold by the ton; a cubic yard weighs about 1.5 tons. Order for the loose depth, not the compacted depth: about a third more than the finished volume, plus 10% for waste. Edging keeps the material in place and defines the path.
Common decomposed-granite mistakes
Not compacting. DG must be spread loose, wetted, and compacted in 2-inch lifts. Uncompacted it stays soft and rutty.
Ordering the compacted volume. Order for the loose depth, roughly a third more than the finished thickness.
No edging. DG spreads at the edges without a hard restraint.
Loose DG on a slope. Above about 5% grade, use stabilised or resin-bound DG or it erodes with every storm.
| Material | lb / ft³ | tons / yd³ | Sold by | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pea gravel (3/8″, rounded) | 100–105 | 1.35 | ton or yd³ | Paths, patios, dog runs, drainage |
| #57 crushed stone (3/4″, washed) | 100–105 | 1.35 | ton | Drainage, slab sub-base, French drains |
| 3/4″ minus / dense-grade | 105–115 | 1.45 | ton | Driveway base, paver base, road pack |
| Crushed concrete (RCA) | 100–110 | 1.35 | ton | Driveway base, structural fill (cheaper) |
| River rock (1–3″) | 95–105 | 1.40 | ton or yd³ | Dry creek beds, borders, xeriscape |
| Decomposed granite | 110–120 | 1.50 | ton | Paths, patios, natural-look driveways |
| Road base / Class 5 | 110–120 | 1.50 | ton | Compacted base under pavers, slabs, drives |
Background reading: how much a yard of gravel weighs.
Frequently asked questions
How much decomposed granite do I need?
Calculate the compacted volume (area × finished depth ÷ 27), then add about a third for compaction and 10% for waste. A 100 square foot path at 2 inches finished needs roughly 1 ton.
How many tons of decomposed granite in a cubic yard?
About 1.5 tons. DG is denser than loose gravel because of its fine content.
How deep should decomposed granite be?
Two to three inches compacted for paths and patios, four inches over a road-base sub-grade for driveways.
How much area does a ton of DG cover?
About 90 square feet at 2 inches compacted, or 60 square feet at 3 inches.
Does decomposed granite need to be compacted?
Yes. Spread it 3 to 4 inches loose, wet it, and compact in 2-inch lifts with a plate compactor. Uncompacted DG stays soft and rutty.
What is the difference between loose and stabilised DG?
Stabilised DG has a binder mixed in that sets firmer and resists erosion and tracking, while still looking natural. Loose DG is cheaper but migrates.
Can you use decomposed granite for a driveway?
Yes, over a compacted road-base sub-grade, though it needs occasional topping up and grading. Stabilised DG holds up better under vehicles.
Does decomposed granite drain well?
Compacted loose DG sheds water at the surface rather than absorbing it, so grade it with a slight crown or cross-slope. Resin-bound DG is fully permeable.
How thick should decomposed granite be for a patio?
Two to three inches compacted over a firm sub-base. For a driveway, four inches compacted over a road-base sub-grade.
What is the difference between DG, crushed stone and gravel?
Decomposed granite is weathered granite with a high fine content that binds when compacted. Crushed stone is mechanically crushed rock. Gravel is loose, often rounded stone that does not compact.
Does decomposed granite get muddy?
Loose DG can wash and track when wet. Stabilised DG (binder mixed in) and resin-bound DG stay firm and clean.
How much does a ton of decomposed granite cover?
About 90 square feet at 2 inches compacted, or 70 square feet at 3 inches.
Can you put decomposed granite over grass?
No. Kill and remove the grass, grade and compact the soil, then lay the DG. Organic matter underneath will decompose and leave hollows.