Pea Gravel Calculator
Calculate how much pea gravel you need for patios, driveways, walkways, and landscaping projects. Enter your area dimensions and depth to get instant estimates in cubic yards, tons, number of bags, and cost. Supports rectangular, circular, and custom area shapes with adjustable wastage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many bags of pea gravel do I need?
To calculate the number of bags, first determine the total volume in cubic feet (length x width x depth). Then divide by the bag volume. A standard 0.5 cubic foot bag (~50 lb) covers about 3 square feet at 2 inches deep. For a 10x10 foot patio at 2 inches deep, you need about 100 x 0.167 = 16.7 cubic feet, which equals 34 bags of the 0.5 cu ft size. Our calculator does this conversion automatically for 0.5 cu ft bags, 1 cu ft bags, and 50 lb bags.
How much does a cubic yard of pea gravel weigh?
A cubic yard of pea gravel weighs approximately 2,500 to 2,800 pounds (1.25 to 1.4 short tons) when loose and dry. Compacted pea gravel weighs closer to 2,970 pounds (about 1.5 tons) per cubic yard. Wet pea gravel can weigh up to 3,400 pounds per cubic yard due to water filling the voids between stones. Knowing the weight is essential for delivery planning — a standard pickup truck can typically carry about 1 cubic yard (1.5 tons) safely.
What is the difference between pea gravel and crushed stone?
Pea gravel consists of small, naturally rounded stones (1/8" to 3/8" diameter) with smooth surfaces, while crushed stone is mechanically broken rock with angular, jagged edges. Pea gravel is more comfortable to walk on and better for patios, pathways, and decorative landscaping. Crushed stone interlocks better when compacted, making it superior for driveways, road bases, and structural fill. Crushed stone is also available in specific gradations (like #57 or #411) for drainage and construction applications.
How much pea gravel do I need for a 10x10 patio?
For a 10x10 foot patio (100 square feet) at 2 inches deep, you need approximately 16.7 cubic feet, or 0.62 cubic yards, weighing about 1,580 pounds (0.79 tons). At 3 inches deep (recommended for patios), you need 25 cubic feet, or 0.93 cubic yards, weighing about 2,375 pounds (1.19 tons). Add 10% for wastage and settling: 27.5 cubic feet or about 1.02 cubic yards. This equals roughly 55 bags of the 0.5 cu ft size.
How much pea gravel do I need for a 12x12 patio?
For a 12x12 foot patio (144 square feet) at 2 inches deep, you need approximately 24 cubic feet or 0.89 cubic yards, weighing about 2,280 pounds (1.14 tons). At 3 inches deep, you need 36 cubic feet or 1.33 cubic yards, weighing about 3,420 pounds (1.71 tons). With 10% wastage added, plan on 39.6 cubic feet or 1.47 cubic yards. That is about 80 bags of the standard 0.5 cu ft size from a home improvement store.
How many square feet does a ton of pea gravel cover?
One ton (2,000 pounds) of pea gravel covers approximately 120 square feet at 2 inches deep, 80 square feet at 3 inches deep, and 60 square feet at 4 inches deep. These estimates assume loose pea gravel with a typical density of 95 lb/ft³. Coverage varies slightly based on stone size, moisture content, and how evenly it is spread. For driveways at 4 inches deep, plan on about 1 ton per 60 square feet.
Can I use pea gravel for a driveway?
Yes, pea gravel can be used for driveways, but it requires proper preparation. Use a minimum depth of 3-4 inches over a compacted base layer of crushed stone (#411 or similar). Install edging to contain the gravel and prevent spreading. Pea gravel driveways are affordable ($1-3 per square foot installed) and provide good drainage, but they can shift under tires, create ruts over time, and stones may scatter. Consider a 4-inch depth for vehicle traffic areas and plan for periodic raking and top-off every 1-2 years.
How much does pea gravel cost per cubic yard?
Pea gravel costs $25-$75 per cubic yard depending on the source, region, and quantity. Buying in bulk from a landscape supply yard is the most economical: $25-$50 per cubic yard. From big-box stores in bags, the effective cost is $50-$100 per cubic yard ($4-$8 per 0.5 cu ft bag x 54 bags per yard). Delivery fees typically add $50-$150 for local delivery. Per ton, expect $30-$60 for bulk pea gravel. Colored or specialty pea gravel costs $50-$100+ per cubic yard.
Do I need to compact pea gravel?
Pea gravel itself does not compact well because of its rounded shape — it tends to roll rather than lock together. However, the base layer underneath should always be compacted. For patios and pathways, compact a 2-4 inch base of crusher run or road base material before adding pea gravel on top. For driveways, compact a 4-6 inch base layer. A plate compactor works best for larger areas. The pea gravel layer on top will settle naturally over the first few weeks.
How much gravel do I need for a French drain?
A French drain typically requires a 12-18 inch wide trench filled with 4-6 inches of gravel below and around a perforated pipe. For a 50-foot French drain at 12 inches wide and 18 inches deep, you need approximately 25 cubic feet or about 1 cubic yard of gravel. Use washed pea gravel or #57 crushed stone (not fine gravel) to maintain drainage flow. Wrap the pipe and gravel in landscape fabric to prevent silt clogging, and plan for 10-15% extra material for settling.
What is the density of pea gravel?
Pea gravel has a loose bulk density of approximately 95 lb/ft³ (1,522 kg/m³) and a compacted density of about 110 lb/ft³ (1,762 kg/m³). When mixed with sand, density increases to 100-120 lb/ft³ depending on compaction. Wet pea gravel is denser than dry — moisture can increase the weight by 10-15%. For calculation purposes, 95 lb/ft³ or 1.4 tons per cubic yard is the most commonly used figure for loose, dry pea gravel.
How deep should pea gravel be?
Recommended depth depends on the project: Patios and seating areas need 2-3 inches. Walkways and pathways need 2-3 inches. Driveways need 3-4 inches minimum (on top of a compacted base). Drainage and French drains need 4-6 inches around the pipe. Playground surfaces need 6-9 inches to meet CPSC safety standards. Decorative ground cover around plants needs 2 inches. Always add a compacted base layer of crushed stone underneath for stability, especially for driveways and high-traffic areas.
Pea Gravel Calculator: Complete Guide to Estimating Tons, Yards & Bags
The Pea Gravel Calculator helps you determine exactly how much pea gravel to order for patios, driveways, walkways, drainage systems, and landscaping projects. It computes volume in cubic yards, weight in tons, the number of bags needed, and an estimated cost based on material properties and project specifications.
Table of Contents
How to Use the Pea Gravel Calculator
- Select the area shape — rectangular, circular, or enter a custom area directly.
- Enter dimensions — length and width for rectangles, diameter for circles, in feet, meters, or yards.
- Set the gravel depth — in inches or centimeters. See the depth guide below for recommendations.
- Choose a material density — preset (loose or compacted gravel, gravel with sand, dry/wet sand) or enter a custom density.
- Select a bag size — to calculate how many bags you need (0.5 cu ft, 1 cu ft, or 50 lb bags).
- Enter pricing (optional) — per cubic yard, ton, bag, or other unit for cost estimation.
- View results — volume in cubic yards/feet/meters, weight in tons/pounds/kg, bags needed, and estimated cost.
Recommended Pea Gravel Depth by Project Type
The right depth depends on the application. Below are industry-standard recommendations:
| Project Type | Recommended Depth | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Patio / Seating area | 2–3 inches | Comfortable underfoot; compact base first |
| Walkway / Pathway | 2–3 inches | Use edging to prevent spreading |
| Driveway | 3–4 inches | Over 4–6" compacted crushed stone base |
| Drainage / French drain | 4–6 inches | Around perforated pipe; use washed gravel |
| Playground surface | 6–9 inches | CPSC recommends 9" for fall heights up to 7 ft |
| Decorative ground cover | 2 inches | Around plants over landscape fabric |
| Dog run / Pet area | 2–3 inches | Easy to clean; good drainage |
Pea Gravel Volume Calculation
The calculator determines volume based on the coverage area and required depth:
Rectangular Area:
Circular Area:
Common volume conversions:
- 1 cubic yard (yd³) = 27 cubic feet (ft³)
- 1 cubic meter (m³) = 35.3147 cubic feet (ft³)
- 1 cubic foot (ft³) = 28.3168 liters (L)
How to Calculate Bags of Pea Gravel
Home improvement stores sell pea gravel in bags rather than bulk. The most common bag sizes are:
| Bag Size | Volume | Weight | Bags per Cubic Yard |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 cu ft bag | 0.5 ft³ | ~50 lb | 54 |
| 1 cu ft bag | 1.0 ft³ | ~100 lb | 27 |
Formula:
Always round up to the nearest whole bag. Our calculator includes wastage automatically.
Cost tip: Bagged pea gravel costs $4–$8 per 0.5 cu ft bag, which works out to $216–$432 per cubic yard. Bulk delivery from a landscape supplier typically costs $25–$75 per cubic yard. For projects requiring more than 1–2 cubic yards, buying in bulk saves 70–80% on material costs.
Pea Gravel Density and Weight Reference
Standard Pea Gravel Densities:
| Material | State | lb/ft³ | kg/m³ | Tons/yd³ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pea Gravel | Loose | 95 | 1,522 | 1.28 |
| Pea Gravel | Compacted | 110 | 1,762 | 1.49 |
| Gravel with Sand | Loose | 100 | 1,602 | 1.35 |
| Gravel with Sand | Compacted | 120 | 1,922 | 1.62 |
Weight calculation formula:
Pea Gravel Cost Guide
Average Pea Gravel Prices (2025–2026):
| Purchase Method | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Bulk per cubic yard | $25–$75 | Large projects (driveways, patios >100 sq ft) |
| Bulk per ton | $30–$60 | Heavy-weight orders; sold by weight at quarries |
| Bagged (0.5 cu ft) | $4–$8 per bag | Small projects, touch-ups, filling containers |
| Delivery fee | $50–$150 | Flat rate for local delivery (varies by distance) |
| Installed (labor + material) | $1–$3 per sq ft | Professional installation with grading and edging |
Prices vary by region, supplier, and quantity. Specialty colors (white, black, red) cost 50–100% more than natural mixes. Always get quotes from at least two local suppliers.
Worked Examples
Example 1: 12x12 Patio at 3" Depth
- Area = 12 × 12 = 144 ft²
- Depth = 3 inches = 0.25 ft
- Volume = 144 × 0.25 = 36 ft³ = 1.33 yd³
- Weight = 36 × 95 = 3,420 lb = 1.71 tons
- Bags needed = 36 / 0.5 = 72 bags (0.5 cu ft size)
- With 10% wastage: 79 bags or 1.47 yd³
- Bulk cost at $45/yd³ = ~$66 + delivery
- Bagged cost at $5/bag = ~$395
Example 2: 20x40 Driveway at 4" Depth
- Area = 20 × 40 = 800 ft²
- Depth = 4 inches = 0.333 ft
- Volume = 800 × 0.333 = 266.7 ft³ = 9.88 yd³
- Weight = 266.7 × 95 = 25,333 lb = 12.67 tons
- With 10% wastage: 10.87 yd³ or ~13.93 tons
- Bulk cost at $45/ton = ~$627 + delivery
Example 3: 8-foot Circular Fire Pit Surround at 2" Depth
- Diameter = 8 ft, Radius = 4 ft
- Area = π × 4² = 50.27 ft²
- Depth = 2 inches = 0.167 ft
- Volume = 50.27 × 0.167 = 8.39 ft³ = 0.31 yd³
- Weight = 8.39 × 95 = 797 lb = 0.40 tons
- Bags needed = 8.39 / 0.5 = 17 bags (0.5 cu ft size)
Pea Gravel vs Other Aggregates
| Feature | Pea Gravel | Crushed Stone | River Rock | Decomposed Granite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 1/8–3/8" | 1/4–2" | 1–3" | Fine to 1/4" |
| Shape | Rounded | Angular | Rounded | Irregular, fine |
| Compaction | Poor | Excellent | Poor | Good |
| Drainage | Excellent | Good | Excellent | Moderate |
| Walk comfort | Good | Rough | Uneven | Good (packed) |
| Cost/yd³ | $25–$75 | $20–$60 | $40–$120 | $30–$70 |
| Best for | Patios, paths, landscaping | Driveways, bases, structural | Decorative, dry creek beds | Pathways, rustic look |
When Not to Use Pea Gravel
- Sloped areas without edging — pea gravel migrates downhill easily due to its round shape.
- Structural foundations — rounded stones do not interlock; use crushed stone or gravel base instead.
- Areas near pool drains — small stones can clog drains and filtration systems.
- Snow removal zones — plows and shovels scatter pea gravel; use compacted crushed stone for snowy climates.
- High-heel traffic areas — heels sink between stones. Use pavers or flagstone instead.
- Under concrete or pavers as base — pea gravel shifts under load. Use crusher run (#411) for base material.
Wastage Factor
A wastage factor of 5–15% is recommended to account for:
- Settling and compaction during the first weeks after installation
- Uneven ground surface variations
- Loss during transportation and spreading
- Edge and corner fill requirements
- Natural migration of stones away from the project area
Use 10% for most projects. Use 15% for uneven terrain, sloped areas, or projects without hard edging.
Unit Conversions for Pea Gravel Calculations
Area Conversions:
- 1 square yard (yd²) = 9 square feet (ft²)
- 1 square meter (m²) = 10.7639 square feet (ft²)
Depth Conversions:
- 1 inch (in) = 2.54 centimeters (cm)
- 1 foot (ft) = 12 inches (in)
Weight Conversions:
- 1 short ton = 2,000 pounds (lb)
- 1 metric ton (tonne) = 2,204.62 pounds (lb)
- 1 kilogram (kg) = 2.20462 pounds (lb)
Related Tools
- Pipe Volume Calculator— calculate water volume in pipes for drainage and irrigation projects.
- Plant Spacing Calculator— plan plant layouts for landscaping projects alongside gravel areas.
- Scale Factor Calculator— convert between blueprint measurements and actual project dimensions.