Density of Granite

Solid, crushed, and on the countertop — every form of the number.

Density of granite in every unit

Granite is the reference rock most stone figures descend from. Solid, it runs 165–172 lb/ft³ (specific gravity 2.65–2.75); crushed, the voids bring a yard down to ordinary crushed-stone weights. The chart covers the forms it's actually bought in:

Table 1 — Granite density by form
Form lb/ft³ lb/yd³ t/yd³
Solid granite165–172≈ 4,536≈ 2.3
Crushed granite (¾″)100–1042,700–2,8001.35–1.4
Decomposed granite (DG)≈ 111≈ 3,000≈ 1.5
Granite boulders (stacked)≈ 110–120≈ 3,000–3,2401.5–1.6
Solid figures are physical constants; bulk forms vary with gradation — the scale ticket governs. Metric: 2,650–2,750 kg/m³ solid.
Table 2 — Other stone, solid, for comparison
Rocklb/ft³
Basalt / trap rock180–190
Granite165–172
Marble160–170
Limestone150–170
Sandstone140–150
Concrete (for scale)≈ 150
Ranges per standard engineering references.

How to use granite density in an estimate

Buying crushed or decomposed granite by the ton? The bulk figures above are what the stone calculator and tonnage calculator apply — area × depth × density, rounded the way the quarry sells. For countertops and slab work, weight per square foot is thickness × solid density: at 3 cm, roughly 17–19 lb/ft².

Granite density FAQ

What is the density of granite?

Solid granite runs 165–172 lb per cubic foot — a specific gravity of 2.65–2.75, or 2,650–2,750 kg/m³. Composition moves it a little: darker, mineral-heavy granites sit at the top of the range.

How much does a cubic foot of granite weigh?

About 168 lb for solid stone — the mid-range figure. A cubic yard of solid granite is therefore around 4,536 lb, or 2.3 short tons: heavier than concrete, which is mostly granite-family aggregate with lighter paste between.

How much does crushed granite weigh per yard?

About 2,700–2,800 lb (1.35–1.4 tons) per cubic yard — the voids between pieces drop it well below solid stone, in line with other crushed rock. Decomposed granite (DG) compacts denser, roughly 3,000 lb loose-measured per placed yard.

How much does a granite countertop weigh?

A standard 3 cm (1¼ in) slab weighs about 17–19 lb per square foot, so a 40 ft² kitchen run carries roughly 700–760 lb. Thinner 2 cm material runs 11–13 lb/ft²; check the cabinet run can take it before templating.

Is granite heavier than concrete?

Yes, solid to solid: granite at ~168 lb/ft³ against concrete at 150. By the cubic yard that is 4,536 lb versus 4,050 — which is why granite boulders always weigh more than they look like they should.

Granite calculators