Burn Platform Volume Calculator

In order to burn an art project on the playa and comply with our Leaving No Trace principle, a “burn platform” consisting of decomposed granite (crushed granite gravel) aka “DG” is required to separate the burning consumables from contact with the playa surface.

The DG burn platform covers the ground under the artwork plus a minimum of several feet beyond its footprint  at a depth of four (4) inches. The following formulas can help you determine the approximate amount of material and its estimated cost:

Rectangular Prism: V = w l h

  1. To determine the volume of a rectangular DG pad, multiply the width by the length (both in feet) and then multiply by a height (thickness) of .33 feet (4 inches). The result is the volume of the pad in cubic feet.
  2. Multiply the volume in cubic feet by .037 to convert to cubic yards.
  3. To calculate the price for the amount of DG in cubic yards, round this number to the nearest whole number and multiply by $65.

Cylinder: V = π r² h

  1. To determine the volume of a round DG pad, multiply the squared radius of the circle in feet (distance from the center of the circle to the edge) against itself, multiply this result by Pi (π = 3.1415) and then multiply by a height (thickness) of .33 feet (4 inches). The result is the volume of the pad in cubic feet.
  2. Multiply the volume in cubic feet by .037 to convert to cubic yards.
  3. To calculate the price for the amount of DG in cubic yards, round this number to the nearest whole number and multiply by $65.