15 Cubic Yards of Decomposed Granite in Tons
15 cubic yards of decomposed granite in tons works out to about 20.2 tons using a planning weight of 1.35 tons per yard. Real loads land between roughly 18.8 and 21.8 tons depending on stone size, fines and moisture. That is about 40,500 pounds.
Volume and tonnage calculator →The conversion
- Yards × tons per yard: 15 × 1.35 = 20.2 tons.
- Low end: 15 × 1.25 = 18.8 tons.
- High end: 15 × 1.45 = 21.8 tons.
The scale ticket on delivery day is the final word on weight.
What 15 yards covers
| Depth | Square feet |
|---|---|
| 2 in | 2,430 |
| 3 in | 1,620 |
| 4 in | 1,215 |
About decomposed granite
Decomposed granite (DG) is weathered granite broken into small particles and fines. It packs into a firm, natural-looking path surface, and stabilized versions include a binder.
Hauling 15 yards
Plan the delivery around 20.2 tons: two or more trucks in most areas. A pickup is a poor fit for anything past a fraction of a yard; see how much gravel a half-ton pickup can carry.
Before you order
- Confirm whether the yard prices decomposed granite by the ton or by the yard.
- Add about 10 percent for compaction and uneven ground.
- Clear a firm spot for the truck to dump.
The volume and tonnage calculator converts any area and depth into yards and tons.
Where decomposed granite fits
Works well for:
- Garden paths and patios with a natural look
- Around trees and in xeriscape designs
- Stabilized DG for accessible paths
Less suited to:
- Steep grades without a stabilizer
- Areas right outside doors, since fines track in
- Driveways with heavy turning traffic
Quick reference numbers
- Per inch over 100 sq ft: about 0.42 tons of decomposed granite (0.31 cubic yards).
- Per inch over 1,000 sq ft: about 4.2 tons.
- Another size for comparison: a 8x16 area at 4 inches takes about 2.1 tons.
- Weight used here: about 1.35 tons per cubic yard.
Where estimates go wrong
- Ordering exactly the math. Uneven ground and spillage nearly always need a little more than the flat calculation.
- Skipping drainage. Water sitting under any surface softens the base and leads to ruts and potholes.
- Using inches as if they were feet. Depth has to be divided by 12 before you multiply; skipping that step inflates the order twelvefold.
- Measuring only the main rectangle. Aprons, turnouts and curved edges add real square footage.
Questions people ask
How many tons is 15 yards of decomposed granite?
About 20.2 tons, with a typical range of 18.8 to 21.8.
How many pounds is 15 cubic yards of decomposed granite?
About 40,500 pounds.
How much area does 15 yards of decomposed granite cover at 3 inches?
About 1,620 square feet.
Why does decomposed granite weight vary?
Stone size, the share of fines and moisture all change how much a yard weighs.
Is it better to buy by the ton or the yard?
Either works; just convert with the supplier’s own weight per yard so the two quotes compare fairly.
Related guides
- Crushed Stone vs Gravel: Differences and Best Uses
- Tons to Cubic Yards for Gravel: Conversion Chart
- How Much Does a Yard of Crushed Stone Weigh?
- 13 Cubic Yards of Decomposed Granite in Tons
- 14 Cubic Yards of Decomposed Granite in Tons
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