Rex says
Everyday utility math — the kind you'd otherwise pull up four browser tabs for. I keep it to one clean answer.
Try a scenario
Click to load — tweak from there.Inputs
Result
Decomposed granite needed
2.38
tons
Raw cubic yards
1.54
Area covered
250
sq ft
Psst — share this and help Rex grow
One click, a permanent link with your numbers baked in.
How to use this
- 1Enter area (sq ft).
- 2Enter depth (in).
- 3Enter dg density (tons/cu yd).
- 4Enter waste/compaction factor (%).
- 5Read your decomposed granite needed on the right — it updates as you type.
- 6Hit Share to keep the scenario or send it to someone.
About this calculator
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.
Worked example
Using the values the calculator loads with:
Inputs
- Area: 250 sq ft
- Depth: 2 in
- DG density: 1.4 tons/cu yd
- Waste/compaction factor: 10 %
Results
- Decomposed granite needed: 2.38
- Raw cubic yards: 1.54
- Area covered: 250
What each field means
Inputs
- Area (sq ft)
- The area used in the calculation, measured in sq ft. Starts at 250 sq ft so you have a working example on load.
- Depth (in)
- The depth used in the calculation, measured in in. Starts at 2 in so you have a working example on load. Accepted range: 1–6 in.
- DG density (tons/cu yd)
- The dg density used in the calculation, measured in tons/cu yd. Starts at 1.4 tons/cu yd so you have a working example on load. Accepted range: 1–1.8 tons/cu yd.
- Waste/compaction factor (%)
- The waste/compaction factor used in the calculation, measured in %. Starts at 10 % so you have a working example on load. Accepted range: 0–25 %.
Results
- Decomposed granite needed
- tons
- Raw cubic yards
- Returned as a decimal number. It recalculates instantly whenever you change an input, so you can compare scenarios without reloading.
- Area covered
- sq ft
FAQ
How deep should decomposed granite be for a path?
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.
What's the difference between stabilized and plain DG?
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.
Do I need a base layer under decomposed granite?
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.
How is DG different from gravel for pathways?
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.
Accuracy and 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.
Related tools
Cite this calculator
Writing about this topic? Grab a citation — every link helps keep these tools free.
RevenueLab. (2026). Decomposed Granite Calculator. Retrieved from https://www.revenuelab.fyi/toolbox/decomposed-granite-calculator
<p>Source: <a href="https://www.revenuelab.fyi/toolbox/decomposed-granite-calculator" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Decomposed Granite Calculator — RevenueLab</a> (2026).</p>
Source: [Decomposed Granite Calculator — RevenueLab](https://www.revenuelab.fyi/toolbox/decomposed-granite-calculator) (2026).