Decomposed Granite Calculator — How Much DG Do You Need?
Pre-set for decomposed granite at ≈1.4 tons per cubic yard. Enter your pathway or patio dimensions to get yards, tons, bags and cost as you type.
Gravel calculator
Density shown is an industry-typical value and varies by supplier — confirm before ordering.
You need
Includes +10% extra
36.0
cubic feet
1.33
cubic yards
1.87
tons (2,000 lb)
72
bags (0.5 cu ft)
≈ 0.76 m³
Estimated cost: $0.00 (at $0/ton)
Order 5–10% extra for compaction and settling — loose gravel always settles to less volume after compaction.
How much decomposed granite do you need? Multiply area by depth in feet, divide by 27 for cubic yards, then multiply by about 1.4 for tons. A 100 sq ft pathway at 2 inches of DG takes 0.62 cubic yards — about 0.86 tons, or 34 half-cubic-foot bags. Enter your dimensions above for exact numbers with a waste allowance.
What is decomposed granite?
Decomposed granite (DG) is granite rock weathered into fine, gritty particles ranging from 1/4 inch down to sand — a golden-tan material that compacts into a firm, walkable surface. Unlike loose gravels, DG knits under a plate compactor and water into a crust closer to a rustic patio than a gravel path, which is why landscape designers reach for it in Southwestern and Mediterranean-style gardens. It comes as natural (loose), stabilized (binder-mixed), or resin-coated (near-solid paving); natural is the cheapest and what most DIY projects order. Weight runs about 1.4 tons per cubic yard as an industry-typical value.
Best uses and recommended depth
Spread natural DG 2 inches deep for pathways and patio surfaces, compacted in place — 3 inches when it sits over a weaker base or carries heavier traffic. Standard applications:
- Garden pathways — 2″ over landscape fabric and an edging; the signature DG look. Pair it with the walkway calculator.
- Patios and seating areas — 2–3″ over 2–4″ of compacted base; see the patio calculator.
- Xeriscaping ground cover — 2″ as a mulch alternative; compare our gravel vs mulch guide.
DG handles gentle slopes better than pea gravel, but heavy rain erodes loose DG on anything steep — use stabilized product or steps there.
Pros and cons of decomposed granite
DG gives you a firm, natural-toned surface at gravel prices — its trade-offs are dust, tracking, and erosion where water flows fast.
Pros
- Compacts firm — walkable, wheelchair-friendlier than loose gravel
- Warm gold/tan color that reads high-end in gardens
- Cheaper than pavers or concrete per square foot
- Natural, chemical-free material; drains well
Cons
- Tracks indoors on shoes and paws when dry
- Can wash out on slopes and in heavy rain
- Dusty in drought; muddy-ish right after rain
- Needs re-compaction and occasional top-ups
Decomposed granite price: what to expect
Typical published US prices put bulk DG around $40–$70 per ton or $45–$85 per cubic yard, near $1–$3 per square foot installed at 2 inches. Stabilized and resin DG cost meaningfully more; bagged DG (0.5 cu ft) runs several times bulk pricing and only suits small repairs. Enter your supplier's per-ton number above for a material estimate — and ask whether delivery is included before comparing quotes.
Frequently asked questions
How deep should decomposed granite be?
Use about 2 inches for pathways and patio surfaces, 3–4 inches over a compacted base for heavier use. DG firms up when compacted and moistened, so thinner layers perform better than they do with loose gravel.
How much does a yard of decomposed granite weigh?
Approximately 1.4 tons (2,800 lb) per cubic yard as a typical value. Because DG is fine and packs tightly, a yard often weighs toward the higher end once compacted — check with your supplier.
Does decomposed granite get muddy?
Compacted DG sheds water well, but loose DG can splash and track during heavy rain, and it may shift on slopes. A stabilizer product or a proper compacted installation keeps pathways firm in wet weather.