How Much Decomposed Granite for 5,000 Square Feet?
How much decomposed granite for 5,000 square feet depends on depth. At 3 inches you need about 46.30 cubic yards, roughly 62.5 tons at 1.35 tons per yard. Going to 4 inches raises it to 83.3 tons.
Volume and tonnage calculator →Decomposed granite for 5,000 sq ft by depth
| Depth | Cubic yards | Tons | Tons +10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 in | 30.86 | 41.7 | 45.8 |
| 3 in | 46.30 | 62.5 | 68.8 |
| 4 in | 61.73 | 83.3 | 91.7 |
Working it out
- 5,000 sq ft × (3 ÷ 12) ft = 1,250.0 cubic feet.
- ÷ 27 = 46.30 cubic yards.
- × 1.35 tons per yard = 62.5 tons.
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. 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.
Where decomposed granite fits
Good uses:
- 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 3 inches takes about 1.6 tons.
- Weight used here: about 1.35 tons per cubic yard.
Where estimates go wrong
- Measuring only the main rectangle. Aprons, turnouts and curved edges add real square footage.
- Assuming every supplier uses the same weight. Two yards selling the same product name can quote different tons per yard.
- 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.
Questions people ask
How many tons of decomposed granite for 5,000 square feet?
About 62.5 tons at 3 inches deep.
How many cubic yards of decomposed granite for 5,000 square feet?
About 46.30 yards at 3 inches.
How much decomposed granite for 5,000 square feet at 2 inches?
About 41.7 tons, or 30.86 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 3,000 Square Feet?
- How Much Decomposed Granite for 4,000 Square Feet?
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