How Much Does 13 Tons of Decomposed Granite Cover?
How much does 13 tons of decomposed granite cover depends on how deep you spread it. At about 1.35 tons per cubic yard, 13 tons is roughly 9.6 cubic yards. Spread 3 inches deep, that covers about 1,040 square feet. Go thinner and it covers more; go deeper and it covers less.
Volume and tonnage calculator →How the coverage is figured
- Tons to cubic yards: 13 ÷ 1.35 = 9.6 yd³.
- Cubic yards to cubic feet: × 27 = 260 cu ft.
- Divide by depth in feet: at 3 inches (0.250 ft), 260 ÷ 0.250 = 1,040 sq ft.
Coverage of 13 tons at different depths
| Depth | Square feet covered | Square yards |
|---|---|---|
| 2 in | 1,560 | 173 |
| 3 in | 1,040 | 116 |
| 4 in | 780 | 87 |
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. Weight runs about 1.25 to 1.45 tons per cubic yard, so treat the table as a planning range rather than an exact figure.
Putting 13 tons to use
For delivery, 13 tons is in the range of one full tandem load. Ask the supplier how they will split it. Spread from the pile with a loader, skid steer or wheelbarrow, then rake to depth before compacting if the material calls for it.
- Check depth as you go. Stakes marked at the target depth help keep the spread even.
- Expect some loss. Compaction and uneven ground use more than the flat-math figure. Keep about 10 percent in reserve.
- Ask about moisture. Wet material weighs more, so a ton of it covers less.
To run your own numbers, use the volume and tonnage calculator.
When to choose decomposed granite
Best suited to:
- 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 12x24 area at 4 inches takes about 4.8 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.
- Mixing up cubic yards and tons. Yards are volume, tons are weight; convert with the product’s weight per yard.
- Assuming every supplier uses the same weight. Two yards selling the same product name can quote different tons per yard.
- Ignoring the base. A thin surface layer over soft soil fails early no matter how much material is on top.
Questions people ask
How many cubic yards is 13 tons of decomposed granite?
About 9.6 cubic yards at 1.35 tons per yard.
How many square feet does 13 tons of decomposed granite cover at 3 inches?
About 1,040 square feet.
How many square feet does 13 tons cover at 2 inches?
About 1,560 square feet.
How much does a yard of decomposed granite weigh?
About 1.25 to 1.45 tons.
Will 13 tons fit in one truck?
It depends on the truck. Single-axle dump trucks often carry under 10 tons and tandems around 13 to 16; your supplier will know their limits.
Related guides
- Crushed Stone vs Gravel: Differences and Best Uses
- Tons to Cubic Yards for Gravel: Conversion Chart
- How Many Tons of Gravel in a Dump Truck? Loads and Coverage
- How Much Does 11 Tons of Decomposed Granite Cover?
- How Much Does 12 Tons of Decomposed Granite Cover?
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