LandscapeMath

Pea Gravel Calculator

This pea gravel calculator estimates how much pea gravel you need for a patio, path, or drainage bed. Enter your area and depth to get results in cubic yards, tons, and 0.5 cubic foot bags.

LengthWidth3 in
Depth: 3 in
Volume
Weight
Bags needed
Pea gravel density
MaterialDensity (lb/ft³)Tons per cubic yard
Pea Gravel961.3
How far does 1 cubic yard of pea gravel go
DepthCoverage
2 in162 sq ft
3 in108 sq ft
4 in81 sq ft
6 in54 sq ft

Frequently Asked Questions

How many bags of pea gravel do I need?

Divide your project volume in cubic feet by 0.5 (the size of a standard bag) and round up. A 10x10 ft area at 3 inches deep needs about 25 cubic feet, or roughly 50 bags of 0.5 cu ft pea gravel.

How deep should pea gravel be for a patio?

Most pea gravel patios use a 2-3 inch top layer over a compacted base, though some installers add a few inches of crushed stone underneath for drainage. Walkways typically only need 2 inches.

How much does pea gravel weigh per cubic yard?

Pea gravel weighs about 1.3 tons per cubic yard, based on a density of roughly 96 lb/ft³. It is slightly lighter than standard gravel or crushed stone because of its rounded, evenly sized particles.

Is pea gravel cheaper than crushed stone?

Pea gravel and crushed stone are usually priced similarly per cubic yard, though exact pricing depends on your local supplier and delivery distance. Pea gravel is often preferred for walkable surfaces since its smooth, rounded stones are more comfortable underfoot.

How much pea gravel do I need for a 10x10 area?

A 10x10 ft area at a 3-inch depth needs about 0.93 cubic yards of pea gravel, which weighs approximately 1.2 tons. That works out to roughly 50 bags at 0.5 cubic feet each.

Sources & references

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