Pea Gravel Calculator — Tons, Yards & Bag Count

Calculator

Length

Width

Depth

Pea gravel size

Price per ton (optional)

$/ton

Waste factor

You need

0.78 cubic yards

≈ 1.17 tons · ≈ 42 bags (50 lb) · $70 total cost

How to Calculate Pea Gravel Quantity

Pea gravel is one of the most popular decorative landscape materials in the US — easy to install, comfortable to walk on, and inexpensive compared to pavers or concrete. Estimating the right amount uses the same volume math as any bulk material, with one key difference: pea gravel is denser than standard gravel because the small uniform stones pack tightly.

Cubic yards = (Length × Width × Depth in inches) ÷ 324
Weight (tons) = Cubic yards × 1.50
Bags (50 lb) = Weight in tons × 40

The density factor of 1.50 tons per cubic yard reflects standard 3/8 inch pea gravel. Smaller 1/4 inch pea gravel runs slightly lighter (1.45 t/yd³); larger 1/2 inch is denser still (1.55 t/yd³). The calculator lets you pick the specific size.

Worked example

Say you're building a 15 ft × 8 ft pea gravel patio at 3 inches deep:

Volume: (15 × 8 × 3) ÷ 324 = 1.11 cubic yards
Weight (3/8" pea gravel at 1.50 t/yd³): 1.11 × 1.50 = 1.67 tons
Cost (at $60/ton): 1.67 × $60 = $100
With 5% waste: Order 1.75 tons (≈ $105)

Pea gravel is heavier per yard than you'd think

The small rounded stones pack much more densely than larger angular gravel. A cubic yard of pea gravel weighs about 3,000 lb (1.5 tons), versus 2,700 lb for standard crushed gravel. Plan delivery weight limits accordingly — a tandem-axle truck holds roughly 8 tons of pea gravel before hitting weight caps.

Best Uses for Pea Gravel

Pea gravel works beautifully for some applications and terribly for others. Knowing the difference saves money and frustration.

✓ Patios and seating areas

Comfortable underfoot, easy to install, and looks great with outdoor furniture. Excavate 4-6 inches, install fabric, compacted crushed stone base, then 2-3 inches of pea gravel. With proper edging, a pea gravel patio lasts 15-20 years with annual refresh.

✓ Walkways and garden paths

2-3 inches of pea gravel over fabric creates an attractive, drainable path. Steel or natural stone edging keeps the gravel contained. Standard depth is enough for foot traffic but not for wheeled cart use (rakes ruts).

✓ Decorative landscape beds

Around trees, between stepping stones, in rock gardens, and replacing mulch in low-water landscaping. Use 2-3 inches over fabric. Doesn't decompose like mulch, so it's lower maintenance long-term.

✓ Fire pit aprons and bases

Heat-resistant (won't crack or pop like limestone) and provides a non-flammable surrounding surface. Use 4 inches deep around fire pits. Pea gravel itself is fine inside fire pits; many designs alternate lava rock (inside) and pea gravel (apron) for visual contrast.

✓ Drainage applications

Pea gravel works for shallow surface drainage (around downspouts, dry creek beds for runoff). For deeper French drains or foundation drainage, use angular #57 crushed stone instead — it provides more void space and doesn't pack as tight.

✗ Driveways (avoid)

Smooth round stones shift under vehicle weight. You'll spend every weekend raking material back into place, and the gravel migrates into your lawn and street. Use angular crushed stone for driveways. Pea gravel as a TOP layer over compacted crushed stone can work for very low-traffic driveways but isn't recommended.

✗ Playgrounds (better alternatives)

Pea gravel was historically used for playground surfaces, but most modern playground standards (ASTM F1292) require certified engineered wood fiber or rubber mulch for fall attenuation. Pea gravel doesn't compress enough to absorb falls from elevated equipment.

Pea Gravel Sizes and What They Mean

"Pea gravel" technically refers to gravel sized 1/8" to 3/8" — about the size of a pea, hence the name. In practice, suppliers sell several gradations:

Size	Density	Best for	Cost ($/ton)
1/4 inch (small)	1.45 t/yd³	Walkways, fine decorative beds	$50–80
3/8 inch (standard)	1.50 t/yd³	Patios, paths, all-purpose	$45–75
1/2 inch (large)	1.55 t/yd³	Drainage, French drains, structural	$45–70
Mixed (decorative)	1.50 t/yd³	Visual interest, contemporary landscapes	$60–120
River-washed (premium)	1.50 t/yd³	High-end decorative work	$80–150

Coverage Reference Table

How many square feet 1 cubic yard or 1 ton of pea gravel covers at common depths:

Depth	Per cubic yard	Per ton
1 inch	324 sq ft	216 sq ft
2 inches	162 sq ft	108 sq ft
3 inches	108 sq ft	72 sq ft
4 inches	81 sq ft	54 sq ft
6 inches	54 sq ft	36 sq ft

How to Install a Pea Gravel Surface

The difference between a pea gravel patio that lasts 15 years and one that looks bad in 6 months is the installation. Cut no corners on these steps:

Plan and mark. Use stakes and string to outline the area. Verify it's sloped 1-2% away from buildings (1/4 inch per foot minimum) for drainage.
Excavate 6 inches deep. Remove sod, topsoil and any soft material. Stockpile soil for use elsewhere (don't haul it away — you'll want it eventually).
Install landscape fabric. Non-woven geotextile (not woven plastic). Overlap seams 6 inches and pin every 2 feet with fabric staples.
Install rigid edging. Steel, natural stone, or composite. Plastic edging will fail in 3-5 years. The edging should extend 4-6 inches into soil and stand 1-2 inches above the gravel surface.
Add 3 inches of crushed stone base. Use #57 or smaller. Compact with a plate compactor in 1.5-inch lifts. This base prevents pea gravel from sinking into soft soil.
Add 2-3 inches of pea gravel. Spread with a metal rake. Level it but don't compact — pea gravel should stay loose so it cushions footsteps.
Light water spray. Helps settle the stones and reveals any low spots for touch-up.

Total cost for a 200 sq ft pea gravel patio (DIY)

Landscape fabric (300 sq ft roll): $30-50
Steel edging (60 linear ft): $80-120
Crushed stone base (2 yd³ at $40/yd³): $80
Pea gravel (1.5 yd³ at $60/yd³): $90
Delivery for stone and gravel: $100-150
Plate compactor rental (1 day): $40-60
Total: $420-550 (vs $2,000-3,500 for the same in pavers professionally installed)

Pea Gravel Maintenance

Properly installed pea gravel is one of the lowest-maintenance landscape surfaces. Annual tasks:

Spring rake-out: Once per year, rake the surface to redistribute stones and remove debris (leaves, twigs). Takes 30 minutes per 200 sq ft.
Top-up every 2-3 years: Add 1/2 inch of fresh stone. For 200 sq ft, that's about 0.3 yd³ / 0.4 tons / $25-30 of material.
Weed spot-treatment: Any weeds that pop through fabric should be sprayed with vinegar or selective herbicide promptly — pulling them disturbs the fabric.
Edge check: Inspect edging annually. Reset or replace sections that have shifted or sunk.
Cleanup after big storms: Heavy rain can wash stones out of low areas. Rake them back from the edges within a week.

Common Pea Gravel Mistakes

No edging: Pea gravel migrates 6+ inches per year without rigid edging. By year 3, your patio looks like a vague suggestion of a patio.
Skipping landscape fabric: Stones sink into soil over 3-5 years. You'll order a fresh ton wondering where the original went.
Too deep: More than 4 inches feels unstable underfoot and is wasteful. Stick to 2-3 inches.
Using on driveways: Stones shift under tires. Period. Don't do it.
Skimping on base: Pea gravel directly on soft soil sinks unevenly and looks terrible. Always include compacted crushed stone base.
Buying bagged for large projects: 1 cubic yard in bags costs $150-200 versus $60-80 bulk. Bulk pays off above 0.3 cubic yards.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much pea gravel do I need for a patio?

For a typical 200 sq ft pea gravel patio at 3 inches deep, you need 1.85 cubic yards (about 2.8 tons). Add 5% waste factor, so order 3 tons. Always install edging — pea gravel migrates easily without it, particularly on slopes or near lawn areas.

How much pea gravel is in a ton?

One ton of pea gravel equals approximately 0.67 cubic yards (18 cubic feet). At 2 inches deep, 1 ton covers 108 square feet. At 3 inches deep: 72 sq ft. At 4 inches: 54 sq ft. Pea gravel is denser than standard gravel because of its uniform smooth shape.

Is pea gravel good for driveways?

No — pea gravel is generally not recommended for driveways because the smooth, rounded stones shift under vehicle weight. They migrate, create ruts, and require constant raking. Use angular crushed stone for driveways. Pea gravel works great for paths, patios, and decorative beds.

How deep should pea gravel be?

For decorative beds: 2-3 inches deep over landscape fabric. For pathways: 3 inches over a compacted base. For patios with furniture: 3-4 inches over a 2-inch crushed stone base for stability. Going deeper than 4 inches is wasteful and looks artificial.

How much does pea gravel cost per yard?

Pea gravel costs $40-90 per cubic yard delivered bulk in 2026, depending on color and quality. Decorative river-washed pea gravel runs $60-120/yard. Multicolor or exotic varieties up to $150/yard. Delivery typically adds $50-150 in most US regions.

Do I need landscape fabric under pea gravel?

Yes — non-woven geotextile fabric is essential under pea gravel. Without it, the smooth stones gradually sink into soil over 3-5 years (you'll wonder where the gravel went). Fabric also blocks 90%+ of weed growth. Use heavy-duty 4 oz weight or better for high-traffic areas.

How do I keep pea gravel from spreading?

Install rigid edging — steel, stone, or composite (not plastic, which fails). The edging should sit slightly below grade and extend at least 4 inches deep into soil. Without edging, pea gravel will migrate at least 6 inches into adjacent areas within a year.

What's the best base for a pea gravel patio?

Excavate 6 inches deep, install landscape fabric, add 2-3 inches of compacted crushed stone (#57 or smaller), then 2-3 inches of pea gravel on top. The crushed stone base prevents pea gravel from sinking and provides drainage. Skip the base and your patio will look bad within a year.

Will pea gravel work for a fire pit base?

Yes, pea gravel is excellent for fire pit bases — it doesn't crack or pop when heated like limestone or river rock can. Use a 4-inch layer of pea gravel for the base. Some people prefer lava rock for the inner pit (more heat-resistant), with pea gravel as the surrounding decorative apron.

Can I install pea gravel myself?

Absolutely — pea gravel is one of the easiest hardscaping projects. Excavate, lay fabric, install edging, add stone, rake level. A 200 sq ft patio takes one person about 4-6 hours including excavation. The hardest part is moving the material; wheelbarrow it 1 cubic yard at a time.

How long does a pea gravel patio last?

A properly installed pea gravel patio (with fabric, edging, and base) lasts 15-20 years before needing significant refresh. Most homeowners add 1/2 inch of fresh stone every 2-3 years to maintain appearance ($25-40 of material per typical patio per refresh).

What's the difference between pea gravel and standard gravel?

Pea gravel is smaller (1/4 to 1/2 inch), smoother, and rounded — used decoratively. Standard gravel is larger (1/2 to 1.5 inches), angular, used structurally for compaction. Pea gravel is heavier per cubic yard (1.50 vs 1.35 t/yd³) due to denser packing of small uniform stones.