Decomposed Granite Weight: Per Cubic Yard & Ton

Decomposed granite (DG) weighs about 1.4 tons (2,800 pounds) per cubic yard when dry, and roughly 1.6 tons (3,200 pounds) per cubic yard when damp or compacted. That means a standard 5-gallon bucket holds approximately 25–30 pounds of loose DG, and a typical 10-foot by 10-foot patio at 3 inches deep needs about 0.93 cubic yards, or around 1.3 tons. The exact weight varies with moisture, compaction, and the specific quarry source, so always plan for a 10–15% overage when ordering.

Formula

The calculator above determines the volume of decomposed granite you need, which is the first step to finding its weight. The volume formula is:

Volume (cubic yards) = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (in) ÷ 324

Where:

• Length – the longer side of the area in feet
• Width – the shorter side of the area in feet
• Depth – how thick you want the DG layer in inches
• 324 – the conversion factor (1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet, and 12 inches = 1 foot, so 27 × 12 = 324)

Once you have cubic yards, multiply by the weight per cubic yard. For dry loose DG, use about 2,800 lb/yd³ (1.4 tons). For compacted DG, use about 3,200 lb/yd³ (1.6 tons).

Worked Example

Using the default values from the calculator: a 40 ft × 25 ft area at 3 inches deep.

1. Calculate volume in cubic yards: 40 × 25 × 3 ÷ 324 = 3000 ÷ 324 = 9.26 yd³
2. Convert to cubic feet: 40 × 25 × 3 ÷ 12 = 3000 ÷ 12 = 250 ft³
3. Dry weight: 9.26 yd³ × 2,800 lb/yd³ = 25,928 lb ≈ 13.0 tons
4. Compacted weight: 9.26 yd³ × 3,200 lb/yd³ = 29,632 lb ≈ 14.8 tons

So for a 1,000 sq ft area, you would order roughly 13–15 tons of DG, depending on whether it gets compacted.

Why Weight Varies: Moisture and Compaction

Decomposed granite is a natural material, and its weight is not a fixed number. The two biggest factors are:

• Moisture content – Dry DG is lighter. When it rains or when the supplier sprays it with water to reduce dust, the weight increases significantly. Wet DG can be 10–15% heavier than dry.
• Compaction – Loose DG has air pockets. When you compact it with a plate compactor, the particles settle closer together, increasing density. Compacted DG can weigh 3,200–3,400 lb per cubic yard versus 2,600–2,800 lb loose.

Suppliers typically sell DG by the ton, not by volume. When you order, ask whether the quoted price is for dry or wet material, because a wet load will weigh more and you will get less volume per ton.

How to Choose the Right Depth

The depth you need depends on the application:

• 2 inches – decorative top dressing over existing soil or a weed barrier, for low-traffic areas.
• 3 inches – standard for walkways and patios where people walk regularly.
• 4–6 inches – for driveways or areas that support vehicle weight, often combined with a stabilizing binder.

Deeper layers weigh more and require more material. A 4-inch layer over the same 1,000 sq ft area would be 12.35 yd³, or about 17–20 tons. Always account for compaction: DG settles by about 10–15%, so if you want a finished depth of 3 inches, you need to install 3.5 inches of loose material.

Common Mistakes When Estimating Weight

People often underestimate how heavy DG is. Here are the most frequent errors:

• Mixing up cubic feet and cubic yards – A cubic yard is 27 cubic feet. Ordering 10 cubic feet when you meant 10 cubic yards will leave you short by a factor of 27.
• Ignoring compaction – If you compact the DG, it settles. If you do not order extra, your finished surface will be thinner than planned.
• Using dry weight for wet material – If the supplier loads DG after rain, you will get fewer cubic yards per ton. Ask for the moisture state before ordering.
• Forgetting the base layer – Many projects require a 2–3 inch base of larger crushed rock under the DG. That base has its own weight and volume, separate from the DG.

How Much DG Do You Need for Common Projects?

Here are typical quantities for common areas (assuming 3-inch depth):

• 4×8 ft garden path – 0.30 yd³, about 0.42 tons dry
• 10×10 ft patio – 0.93 yd³, about 1.3 tons dry
• 12×20 ft driveway – 2.22 yd³, about 3.1 tons dry
• 50×50 ft large yard area – 23.15 yd³, about 32.4 tons dry

These are estimates for loose dry DG. Add 10–15% for compaction and spillage.

Delivery and Handling: What to Expect

DG is heavy, so delivery is usually done with a dump truck. A standard dump truck can carry 10–14 tons. For small projects, you can buy DG in 50-pound bags at home improvement stores, but this is far more expensive per ton than bulk delivery. A 50-lb bag covers about 0.5 sq ft at 3 inches deep, so you would need about 60 bags for a 10×10 patio – that is 3,000 pounds of lifting and spreading by hand.

When having DG delivered, make sure the truck can access your site. The driver will typically dump the material in a pile, and you will need to move it with a wheelbarrow. For large areas, consider renting a small skid-steer or hiring a landscaper to spread and compact.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many square feet does a ton of decomposed granite cover?

At a 3-inch depth, one ton of dry loose DG (2,800 lb) covers about 9.3 square feet. At 2 inches deep, it covers about 14 square feet. At 4 inches deep, it covers about 7 square feet. These numbers assume no compaction loss; add 10–15% more material if you are compacting.

Is decomposed granite heavier when wet?

Yes, significantly. Water fills the voids between particles, adding weight without adding volume. Wet DG can be 10–15% heavier than dry. If you are ordering by the ton, a wet load will contain less material than a dry load. If you are spreading wet DG, it will also be harder to move and compact evenly.

What is the difference between decomposed granite and crushed stone?

Decomposed granite is a natural product – granite that has weathered into small, gravel-like particles that often include fines (sand and silt). Crushed stone is mechanically broken from larger rocks and tends to have sharper edges and fewer fines. DG compacts into a firmer, more stable surface because the fines bind the particles together. Crushed stone drains better but does not lock together as well.

Can I use decomposed granite for a driveway?

Yes, but you need a deeper layer (4–6 inches) and a stabilizing product like a resin or polymeric binder to prevent rutting and dust. Without a binder, DG driveways can shift under vehicle weight and wash out in heavy rain. For light vehicles and occasional use, a 4-inch compacted layer may work, but for daily use, consider a binder or a different material.

How much does a cubic foot of decomposed granite weigh?

Dry loose DG weighs about 104 pounds per cubic foot (2,800 lb ÷ 27). Compacted DG weighs about 119 pounds per cubic foot (3,200 lb ÷ 27). A 5-gallon bucket holds about 0.67 cubic feet, so it weighs roughly 70–80 pounds when full – too heavy for most people to lift comfortably, which is why bulk delivery is recommended.

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in l | Lawn length | ft | 40 | 0 | 100000
in w | Lawn width | ft | 25 | 0 | 100000
in d | Depth | in | 3 | 0 | 120
out yd | Volume | yd³ | l * w * d / 324 | 2
out ft3 | Volume | ft³ | l * w * d / 12 | 1