DG coverage by finished depth
These yields assume 20% extra loose material beyond the finished layer volume. The per-ton column also assumes 1.25 U.S. short tons per loose cubic yard. Change either input in the calculator for your material.
Scroll sideways to see how each depth is used.
| Finished DG depth | Sq ft per loose yd³ | Sq ft per short ton | How to use this row |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 in | 135 | 108 | Use only where the chosen product and application allow a thin layer. |
| 3 in | 90 | 72 | Pedestrian pathway example for some standard or stabilized mixes. |
| 4 in | 67.5 | 54 | Vehicular surface example only with a properly designed base. |
Depth is product specific. For example, Kafka Granite distinguishes its 2-inch wax polymer path from its 3-inch standard or stabilized pedestrian path and 4-inch vehicular surface. Follow the specification for the mix you buy.
Finished DG thickness is the depth to enter
Measure from the top of the compacted base to the final DG walking surface. The base may also need compaction, but it has a different material and volume; adding its thickness here would overstate the DG order.
On uneven ground, measure at several spots and use a depth that reflects the actual cross section. A low area that needs extra DG should be measured rather than hidden inside a generic allowance.
From delivered amount to finished area
A cubic yard contains 27 cubic feet, and depth is entered in inches, so the conversion factor is 324 (27 × 12). The tool treats the allowance as extra material added to the finished geometric volume. It does not claim that every DG product shrinks by the same percentage.
Finished area (sq ft) = loose yards × 324 ÷ [finished depth (in) × (1 + extra % ÷ 100)]
Loose yards from tons = short tons ÷ loose density (short tons/yd³)
A 300-square-foot example
- Finished layer: 300 sq ft × 3 in ÷ 324 = 2.78 yd³.
- Loose order: 2.78 yd³ × 1.20 = 3.33 loose yd³.
- Estimated weight: 3.33 loose yd³ × 1.25 short tons/yd³ = 4.17 short tons.
For the same inputs, a single short ton is 0.80 loose yd³ and covers 72 finished sq ft. If you already know your project's length and width, use the main decomposed granite calculator for the order volume or the DG tons page for a weight-focused estimate.
Three checks that change real-world coverage
Confirm the product
“Decomposed granite” can mean different gradations and blends. A stabilized pathway mix can have its own base, moisture, lift, and finished-depth specification. Match the estimate to the exact material on the quote.
Confirm the density
The 1.25-short-ton preset is a planning value. Gravelshop lists 2,410 lb/yd³ for one ½-inch-minus product, while Central Texas Materials lists 2,700 lb/yd³ for its DG. Product, source, and moisture can change the delivered weight; ask your yard which figure it uses.
Check the grade and base
Measure low spots and planned slope before buying. A thick base or extra material to bring up grade belongs in a separate estimate. Field questions about soft DG after rain often trace back to site preparation, drainage, and compaction, not the square-foot conversion alone.
Decomposed granite coverage questions
How many square feet does a ton of decomposed granite cover?
With a 20% extra-material allowance and a planning density of 1.25 U.S. short tons per loose cubic yard, one short ton covers about 108 square feet at 2 inches finished depth, 72 square feet at 3 inches, or 54 square feet at 4 inches. A different supplier density or ordering allowance changes the yield.
How much area does one cubic yard of decomposed granite cover?
Under the same 20% allowance, one loose cubic yard covers about 135 square feet at 2 inches finished depth, 90 square feet at 3 inches, or 67.5 square feet at 4 inches. These are planning yields for a finished layer, not guaranteed field coverage.
How many tons do I need for a 300-square-foot DG patio?
At 3 inches finished depth, 300 square feet is 2.78 cubic yards of finished layer. With 20% extra material, order about 3.33 loose cubic yards. At 1.25 short tons per loose cubic yard, that is about 4.17 short tons. Confirm the product density and order increment with the yard.
Is a 20% allowance the same as 20% volume loss during compaction?
No. This calculator adds 20% to the finished geometric volume for an estimated loose order. If a product actually loses 20% of its loose volume during compaction, you divide finished volume by 0.80, which requires 25% extra. Use the supplier or project specification when it gives a measured reduction.
Should the road base be included in DG coverage?
No. Enter only the finished decomposed granite surface thickness here. Calculate any crushed-stone base as a separate layer with its own area, depth, and density.