5 Cubic Yards of Decomposed Granite in Tons
5 cubic yards of decomposed granite in tons works out to about 6.8 tons using a planning weight of 1.35 tons per yard. Real loads land between roughly 6.2 and 7.2 tons depending on stone size, fines and moisture. That is about 13,500 pounds.
Volume and tonnage calculator →The conversion
- Yards × tons per yard: 5 × 1.35 = 6.8 tons.
- Low end: 5 × 1.25 = 6.2 tons.
- High end: 5 × 1.45 = 7.2 tons.
Quarries can tell you the weight per yard for their own product; use it if you have it.
What 5 yards covers
| Depth | Square feet |
|---|---|
| 2 in | 810 |
| 3 in | 540 |
| 4 in | 405 |
About decomposed granite
DG should be laid in thin lifts, wetted and compacted. Loose DG at a deep depth stays soft and tracks onto shoes.
Hauling 5 yards
At about 6.8 tons, this is a load most single-axle dump trucks can take. 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
Think twice 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 12x24 area at 3 inches takes about 3.6 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.
- Skipping drainage. Water sitting under any surface softens the base and leads to ruts and potholes.
- Ignoring the base. A thin surface layer over soft soil fails early no matter how much material is on top.
- Assuming every supplier uses the same weight. Two yards selling the same product name can quote different tons per yard.
Questions people ask
How many tons is 5 yards of decomposed granite?
About 6.8 tons, with a typical range of 6.2 to 7.2.
How many pounds is 5 cubic yards of decomposed granite?
About 13,500 pounds.
How much area does 5 yards of decomposed granite cover at 3 inches?
About 540 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?
- 3 Cubic Yards of Decomposed Granite in Tons
- 4 Cubic Yards of Decomposed Granite in Tons
As an Amazon Associate, AsphaltTons.com earns from qualifying purchases. Product links below are sponsored.