How Much Decomposed Granite for 500 Square Feet?
How much decomposed granite for 500 square feet depends on depth. At 3 inches you need about 4.63 cubic yards, roughly 6.3 tons at 1.35 tons per yard. At 2 inches the order drops to 4.2 tons.
Volume and tonnage calculator →Decomposed granite for 500 sq ft by depth
| Depth | Cubic yards | Tons | Tons +10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 in | 3.09 | 4.2 | 4.6 |
| 3 in | 4.63 | 6.3 | 6.9 |
| 4 in | 6.17 | 8.3 | 9.2 |
Working it out
- 500 sq ft × (3 ÷ 12) ft = 125.0 cubic feet.
- ÷ 27 = 4.63 cubic yards.
- × 1.35 tons per yard = 6.3 tons.
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. Typical weight: 1.25 to 1.45 tons per cubic yard.
Ordering checklist
- Measure odd shapes in pieces. Split curves and L-shapes into rectangles and add them.
- Add a margin. About 10 percent covers compaction and low spots.
- Bulk or bags. Bulk delivery is the practical choice here.
- Prep first. Remove sod, compact the subgrade and set edging before the stone arrives.
Use the volume and tonnage calculator for any other size.
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
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 8x16 area at 3 inches takes about 1.6 tons.
- Weight used here: about 1.35 tons per cubic yard.
Common estimating mistakes
- Measuring only the main rectangle. Aprons, turnouts and curved edges add real square footage.
- 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.
- Ordering exactly the math. Uneven ground and spillage nearly always need a little more than the flat calculation.
Questions people ask
How many tons of decomposed granite for 500 square feet?
About 6.3 tons at 3 inches deep.
How many cubic yards of decomposed granite for 500 square feet?
About 4.63 yards at 3 inches.
How much decomposed granite for 500 square feet at 2 inches?
About 4.2 tons, or 3.09 cubic yards.
How much does a yard of decomposed granite weigh?
About 1.25 to 1.45 tons.
Should I add extra?
Yes, about 10 percent is a common allowance.
Related guides
- Crushed Stone vs Gravel: Differences and Best Uses
- Tons to Cubic Yards for Gravel: Conversion Chart
- How Much Does a Ton of Gravel Cover? Depth Chart
- How Much Decomposed Granite for 300 Square Feet?
- How Much Decomposed Granite for 400 Square Feet?
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