Decomposed Granite Calculator

Calculate the exact tonnage, cubic yardage, and liquid resin stabilizer needed for your decomposed granite (DG) patio, walkway, or landscape project.

Project Length feet Enter a valid length

Project Width feet Enter a valid width

Finished Depth inches Typically 2" for landscape, 3" for patios. Enter a valid depth

Compaction & Settling %

Standard DG shrinks 15% when tamped. Enter valid percentage

Installation Type

Stabilized DG uses a resin binder to prevent muddy runoff and erosion.

Calculation Results

Total DG Required

— Tons

Final order weight, factoring in standard compaction shrinkage.

How to calculate decomposed granite coverage

Measure the square footage

Measure the exact length and width of the path or patio area. For winding garden paths, measure the total linear length and multiply it by the average width to find the approximate total square footage.

Select the correct depth

A depth of 2 inches is sufficient for decorative landscape beds with zero foot traffic. For pedestrian walkways and patios, you need 3 inches of DG. For driveways or heavy-use areas, a minimum of 4 inches is required.

Include a compaction allowance

Decomposed granite is primarily sand and fine silt. When you water it down and run a heavy plate compactor over it, the air voids collapse and the volume shrinks by roughly 15%. If you skip this allowance, your finished patio will sit below grade.

Determine your stabilizer needs

Natural DG turns muddy in the rain and tracks into the house. By selecting "Stabilized," the calculator will automatically output the required gallons of liquid resin binder (typically 1 gallon per 15 sq ft) needed to lock the fines together and create a hard, weather-resistant surface.

DG Material & Stabilizer Chart (Includes 15% Compaction)

Coverage Area	Finished Depth	Order Weight (Tons)	Stabilizer Resin Req.
2" Depth (Light Decorative Landscape)
100 sq ft	2 inches	0.9 Tons	6.7 Gallons
300 sq ft	2 inches	2.7 Tons	20.0 Gallons
500 sq ft	2 inches	4.5 Tons	33.3 Gallons
3" Depth (Standard Patios & Walkways)
100 sq ft	3 inches	1.4 Tons	6.7 Gallons
300 sq ft	3 inches	4.1 Tons	20.0 Gallons
500 sq ft	3 inches	6.8 Tons	33.3 Gallons
1,000 sq ft	3 inches	13.5 Tons	66.7 Gallons
4" Depth (Heavy Traffic / Driveways)
100 sq ft	4 inches	1.8 Tons	6.7 Gallons
500 sq ft	4 inches	9.0 Tons	33.3 Gallons
1,000 sq ft	4 inches	18.1 Tons	66.7 Gallons

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between stabilized and natural DG?

Natural decomposed granite is simply crushed rock and dust. While it compacts well, it remains porous and will wash away in heavy rain or track onto your floors when wet. Stabilized DG is mixed with a water-activated resin or polymer binder. Once compacted and cured, the binder acts like a flexible glue, locking the fines together to create a hard, mud-free, erosion-proof surface that still looks natural.

How much does a cubic yard of decomposed granite weigh?

When delivered loose in a dump truck, one cubic yard of decomposed granite typically weighs between 2,400 and 2,700 lbs (1.2 to 1.35 tons). However, because you must heavily compact DG to install it properly, you generally need to order about 1.5 tons of raw material to yield one cubic yard of finished, fully compacted patio space.

Do I need to put a weed barrier under decomposed granite?

Yes, using a high-quality non-woven geotextile fabric beneath your DG is highly recommended. It serves two purposes: it severely limits aggressive weeds from growing up through the stone, and more importantly, it separates the native soil from the granite. Without fabric, the DG will slowly sink into the mud over the years, ruining your level patio.

Can I use decomposed granite for a driveway?

Yes, but it must be installed correctly. A DG driveway requires a robust 4-inch minimum depth and should absolutely utilize a resin stabilizer. If you use natural unstabilized DG, the torque from car tires turning will immediately rut the surface and create muddy potholes during rainstorms.

About this calculator

This Decomposed Granite Calculator integrates both standard aggregate volumetric math and modern resin stabilization guidelines, ensuring contractors and homeowners order the exact materials needed to complete a hardscaping project.

The mathematical engine utilizes the following logic:

Coverage Area (sq ft) = Length × Width

Base Volume (cu yds) = Coverage Area × (Finished Depth in inches ÷ 12) ÷ 27

Order Volume (cu yds) = Base Volume × (1 + (Compaction % ÷ 100))

Total Order Weight (Tons) = Order Volume × 1.30 (Avg loose density)

Topical Resin Stabilizer = Coverage Area ÷ 15 (Assumes 1 gallon per 15 sq ft)

A note on applying stabilizers: If you are using a topical liquid stabilizer, it must soak deeply into the DG matrix. Do not compact the DG to its final hardness before applying the liquid. Tamp it lightly, heavily saturate the surface with the resin using a watering can or sprayer, allow it to penetrate, and then perform your final heavy compaction while it is still damp.