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Granite Calculator: How Much Granite Do I Need?
Know your granite’s weight before you lift
Photo: Wirestock / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Photo: Wirestock / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Highlights
Granite weight depends on the square footage of the space.
It also depends on the desired thickness.
Measure the square footage of the space first.
Then you’ll multiply the square footage by the desired thickness.
A granite fabricator can help measure and install granite.
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Granite is a heavy, durable material used for countertops in kitchens and bathrooms, so it’s normal to wonder, “How much does granite weigh?” if you’re considering having it installed. Before you wrestle with a slab that ends up being too big or small for your space, use our granite weight calculator to take the guesswork out of this weighty decision.
How Much Granite Needed For Countertops
When planning granite countertop installation, you’ll need to account not only for the square footage but also the weight of the material, which varies based on the thickness of the slab. Granite is a dense, heavy stone—it weighs about 12 pounds per square foot per inch of thickness. The table below shows estimated weights for common square footage amounts at 1-inch, 2-inch, and 3-inch thicknesses.
| Square footage | Granite weight for 2-inch thickness | Granite weight for 3-inch thickness | Granite weight for 3-inch thickness |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 140 lbs. | 240 lbs. | 360 lbs. |
| 20 | 240 lbs. | 480 lbs. | 720 lbs. |
| 30 | 360 lbs. | 720 lbs. | 1080 lbs. |
| 40 | 480 lbs. | 960 lbs. | 1440 lbs. |
| 50 | 600 lbs. | 1200 lbs. | 1800 lbs. |
Calculating Granite
Use the granite weight calculator below to quickly determine how many pounds of granite you need based on the square footage of the countertops and your chosen slab thickness.
Granite Weight (pounds) = Square Footage x Thickness (inches) x 12-13 pounds per square foot (at 1-inch thickness)
How to Measure for Countertops
Photo: Stefania Pelfini, La Waziya Photography / Moment / Getty Images
Granite countertops are no small investment, which is why it’s important to get the right measurements before ordering to avoid costly mistakes. The last thing you want is for installation day to arrive only to have granite countertops that are too small or don’t fit your kitchen. The calculator below shows how to measure for countertops.
How to Measure Countertop Square Footage
Thankfully, there’s no need to reinvent the square footage wheel when it comes to measuring countertops for granite. You’ll need to first measure the length in inches, then the depth from the back to the front in inches, and multiply the two. You’ll also want to multiply the length and depth by 10% to account for waste.
Square footage = Length x Depth x 10% for waste
Who to Hire to Install Granite
Unless you’re a licensed contractor with a crew of friends and family well-versed in hauling and installing granite, you’ll need to hire your local granite fabricator, who can provide full-service installation. They’ll be able to measure, cut, polish, transport, deliver, and install your countertops. These pros can also handle sink cutouts and seams with precision and offer a variety of granite slabs for you to pick from in case you’re looking for something more unique.
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