{
  "slug": "decomposed-granite-calculator",
  "title": "Decomposed Granite Calculator",
  "heading": "Decomposed Granite Calculator",
  "category": "other",
  "url": "https://www.revenuelab.fyi/toolbox/decomposed-granite-calculator",
  "summary": "Tonnage of decomposed granite (DG) needed for a pathway, patio, or ground cover.",
  "description": "Decomposed granite is a popular low-cost ground cover for pathways, patios, and drought-tolerant landscaping, sold by the ton like other bulk aggregates, and it's typically applied at shallower depths than gravel since it's meant to compact into a relatively firm, walkable surface rather than stay loose. This calculator takes your area and target depth, usually 2 inches for a compacted walking path or up to 3-4 inches if you're building up from bare soil, computes cubic yards, and multiplies by DG's density, around 1.35-1.5 tons per cubic yard depending on whether it's stabilized (with a binder) or plain decomposed granite. A waste and compaction allowance is included since DG is typically watered and rolled or tamped after spreading to achieve its characteristic firm, packed surface, which reduces the loose volume from what was delivered. Stabilized DG products with a resin binder cost more but resist erosion and rutting far better over time than plain DG on sloped or high-traffic paths.",
  "formula": "Cubic Yards = (Area × Depth ft) ÷ 27. Tons = Cubic Yards × Density × (1 + Waste%).",
  "dateModified": "2026-09-06",
  "run_url": "https://www.revenuelab.fyi/api/public/calc?tool=decomposed-granite-calculator",
  "inputs": [
    {
      "id": "area",
      "label": "Area",
      "kind": "number",
      "hint": null,
      "default": 250,
      "unit": "sq ft",
      "min": 5,
      "max": null
    },
    {
      "id": "depthIn",
      "label": "Depth",
      "kind": "number",
      "hint": null,
      "default": 2,
      "unit": "in",
      "min": 1,
      "max": 6
    },
    {
      "id": "density",
      "label": "DG density",
      "kind": "number",
      "hint": null,
      "default": 1.4,
      "unit": "tons/cu yd",
      "min": 1,
      "max": 1.8
    },
    {
      "id": "wastePct",
      "label": "Waste/compaction factor",
      "kind": "number",
      "hint": null,
      "default": 10,
      "unit": "%",
      "min": 0,
      "max": 25
    }
  ],
  "outputs": [
    {
      "id": "tons",
      "label": "Decomposed granite needed",
      "format": "decimal",
      "hint": "tons",
      "primary": true
    },
    {
      "id": "cubicYards",
      "label": "Raw cubic yards",
      "format": "decimal",
      "hint": null,
      "primary": false
    },
    {
      "id": "area",
      "label": "Area covered",
      "format": "number",
      "hint": "sq ft",
      "primary": false
    }
  ],
  "worked_example": {
    "inputs": [
      "Area: 250 sq ft",
      "Depth: 2 in",
      "DG density: 1.4 tons/cu yd",
      "Waste/compaction factor: 10 %"
    ],
    "outputs": [
      "Decomposed granite needed: 2.38",
      "Raw cubic yards: 1.54",
      "Area covered: 250"
    ]
  },
  "how_to": {
    "title": "How to use this",
    "steps": [
      "Enter area (sq ft).",
      "Enter depth (in).",
      "Enter dg density (tons/cu yd).",
      "Enter waste/compaction factor (%).",
      "Read your decomposed granite needed on the right — it updates as you type.",
      "Hit Share to keep the scenario or send it to someone."
    ]
  },
  "scenarios": [
    {
      "name": "Conservative",
      "description": "Lower-end numbers — what if things land soft?",
      "values": {
        "area": 150,
        "depthIn": 1.2,
        "density": 1,
        "wastePct": 6
      }
    },
    {
      "name": "Typical",
      "description": "Defaults — the most common real-world setup.",
      "values": {
        "area": 250,
        "depthIn": 2,
        "density": 1.4,
        "wastePct": 10
      }
    },
    {
      "name": "Ambitious",
      "description": "Higher-end numbers — what if things really pop?",
      "values": {
        "area": 400,
        "depthIn": 3.2,
        "density": 1.8,
        "wastePct": 16
      }
    }
  ],
  "limitations": [
    "Estimates assume standard, average conditions — local rules, pricing, and materials vary.",
    "Results are rounded for readability; add a buffer before ordering, booking, or committing.",
    "Double-check anything with a real cost attached against a local quote."
  ],
  "faq": [
    {
      "q": "How deep should decomposed granite be for a path?",
      "a": "2 inches compacted is standard for a firm walking surface over a prepared base; deeper applications (3-4 in) are used when building up over soft or uneven soil."
    },
    {
      "q": "What's the difference between stabilized and plain DG?",
      "a": "Stabilized DG has a polymer or resin binder mixed in that hardens the surface and resists erosion on slopes or high-traffic areas, while plain DG is cheaper but more prone to rutting and washing out over time."
    },
    {
      "q": "Do I need a base layer under decomposed granite?",
      "a": "For paths over stable, well-draining soil a single DG layer often suffices; on softer or clay soils a compacted aggregate base beneath the DG improves long-term stability and drainage."
    },
    {
      "q": "How is DG different from gravel for pathways?",
      "a": "DG compacts into a firmer, more uniform walking surface similar to a fine hardpack trail, while gravel stays loose underfoot — DG is generally preferred for pedestrian paths and gravel for drainage or vehicle areas."
    }
  ],
  "related": [
    "https://www.revenuelab.fyi/toolbox/gravel-tons-calculator",
    "https://www.revenuelab.fyi/toolbox/paver-base-calculator",
    "https://www.revenuelab.fyi/toolbox/river-rock-tons-calculator"
  ],
  "license": "CC-BY-4.0",
  "citation": "RevenueLab — Decomposed Granite Calculator (https://www.revenuelab.fyi/toolbox/decomposed-granite-calculator)"
}