3 Cubic Yards of Decomposed Granite in Tons
3 cubic yards of decomposed granite in tons works out to about 4.1 tons using a planning weight of 1.35 tons per yard. Real loads land between roughly 3.8 and 4.3 tons depending on stone size, fines and moisture. That is about 8,100 pounds.
Volume and tonnage calculator →The conversion
- Yards × tons per yard: 3 × 1.35 = 4.1 tons.
- Low end: 3 × 1.25 = 3.8 tons.
- High end: 3 × 1.45 = 4.3 tons.
If your supplier quotes a different weight per yard, multiply by theirs.
What 3 yards covers
| Depth | Square feet |
|---|---|
| 2 in | 486 |
| 3 in | 324 |
| 4 in | 243 |
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 3 yards
Plan the delivery around 4.1 tons: one small truck 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.
When to choose decomposed granite
Good uses:
- Garden paths and patios with a natural look
- Around trees and in xeriscape designs
- Stabilized DG for accessible paths
Poor fit for:
- 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 14x28 area at 2 inches takes about 3.3 tons.
- Weight used here: about 1.35 tons per cubic yard.
Where estimates go wrong
- Mixing up cubic yards and tons. Yards are volume, tons are weight; convert with the product’s weight per yard.
- Measuring only the main rectangle. Aprons, turnouts and curved edges add real square footage.
- Using inches as if they were feet. Depth has to be divided by 12 before you multiply; skipping that step inflates the order twelvefold.
- Skipping drainage. Water sitting under any surface softens the base and leads to ruts and potholes.
Questions people ask
How many tons is 3 yards of decomposed granite?
About 4.1 tons, with a typical range of 3.8 to 4.3.
How many pounds is 3 cubic yards of decomposed granite?
About 8,100 pounds.
How much area does 3 yards of decomposed granite cover at 3 inches?
About 324 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?
- 2 Cubic Yards of Decomposed Granite in Tons
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