Pea Gravel Calculator: Free Online Pea Gravel Estimator
Use our free pea gravel calculator to determine exactly how much pea gravel you need by volume and weight for your landscaping or pathway project. Designed for landscapers, gardeners, and DIY homeowners, this tool calculates the cubic yards and tons of pea gravel required based on your area dimensions. Enter your length, width, depth, and density to get instant, accurate results for ordering bulk material.
How to use this calculator.
- Measure your project area. Measure the length and width of the area to be covered in feet. For curved paths, measure the centerline length and average width.
- Select the depth. For garden paths and patios, use 2-3 inches. For decorative beds, 1-2 inches. Deeper than 3 inches makes walking difficult because pea gravel's rounded shape shifts underfoot.
- Review the density. The default density is 100 lb/ft³ for dry pea gravel. Adjust if your supplier provides a different bulk density. Wet pea gravel can be 10-15% heavier.
- Review your results. The calculator shows volume in cubic yards and weight in tons. Most landscape supply yards sell by the ton or cubic yard. Add 5-10% extra for settling and irregular coverage.
How do you calculate pea gravel volume and weight?
Pea gravel volume and weight are calculated from area, depth, and material density.
Volume (cu yd) = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (in) ÷ 324
Weight (tons) = Volume (cu yd) × Density (lb/ft³) × 27 ÷ 2,000
Where:
- 324 comes from 12 (inches to feet) × 27 (cubic feet to cubic yards).
- 100 lb/ft³ is the typical bulk density of dry pea gravel (about 2,700 lb per cubic yard or 1.35 tons).
- Pea gravel is rounded, smooth stone typically 3/8 inch in diameter. It compacts less than angular stone because the rounded shape prevents interlock.
Example calculation.
Let's calculate the pea gravel needed for a garden pathway.
Scenario: You are creating a garden pathway that is 30 ft long and 4 ft wide with 3 inches of pea gravel at 100 lb/ft³ density.
- Calculate the volume: 30 ft × 4 ft × 3 in ÷ 324 = 1.11 cu yd
- Calculate the weight: 1.11 cu yd × 100 lb/ft³ × 27 ÷ 2,000 = 1.50 tons
Result: You need approximately 1.25 cubic yardsor 1.5 tons of pea gravel for this pathway. Order 1.75 tons to account for settling and spillage during installation.
Tips from the field.
- Use landscape fabric underneath. Always place woven landscape fabric under pea gravel. Without it, the gravel slowly sinks into the soil and weeds grow through. Overlap fabric seams by 12 inches.
- Install edging. Pea gravel migrates easily because of its rounded shape. Install metal, plastic, or stone edging along the perimeter to keep the gravel contained. Without edging, you will chase gravel back onto the path after every rain.
- Do not use pea gravel for driveways. Pea gravel's rounded shape prevents it from locking together under vehicle weight. Tires sink in, creating ruts and throwing gravel. Use angular crushed stone for any surface that sees vehicle traffic.
- Rake periodically. Pea gravel paths need occasional raking to redistribute stones displaced by foot traffic and rain. Keep a small pile of extra gravel on hand for touch-ups.
Sources: Typical pea gravel bulk density (~2,500-2,700 lb per cubic yard loose) reflects ASTM C33 aggregate gradation references and common landscape supplier specifications. Actual density varies by source and moisture content: confirm with your supplier.
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates for planning purposes only. Actual material requirements vary based on installation method, compaction, moisture content, and surface irregularities. Pea gravel weight varies with moisture: wet gravel is heavier than dry. Always confirm with your supplier. PavementCalculator.com assumes no liability for material overages or shortages.
Cost, price, and density figures on this page reflect approximate U.S. averages as of August 2026 and vary by region, supplier, and material availability.
Frequently asked questions.
How much pea gravel do I need per square foot?
At a 3-inch depth, you need approximately 0.0093 cubic yards (or about 0.25 cubic feet) of pea gravel per square foot. One ton of pea gravel covers about 200 square feet at 3 inches deep. Use our calculator for your exact measurements.
How deep should pea gravel be?
For garden paths and patios, pea gravel should be 2-3 inches deep. For driveways, use 4-6 inches with a crushed stone base layer underneath. Deeper than 3 inches makes walking difficult as the rounded stones shift underfoot.
How much does a cubic yard of pea gravel weigh?
A cubic yard of dry pea gravel weighs approximately 2,700 pounds (1.35 tons). Pea gravel is slightly heavier than crushed stone of the same size because the rounded shape packs more densely. Wet pea gravel can weigh up to 3,000 lb/yd³.
How much pea gravel do I need?
For a 10×10 ft area at 2 inches deep: ~0.62 cubic yards or ~0.8 tons. Pea gravel covers ~162 sq ft per cubic yard at 2 inches. Order by the ton from landscape suppliers. Use our calculator for your exact area.
Where is pea gravel best used?
Pea gravel works well for paths, patios, playgrounds, and decorative beds. Not recommended for driveways: the rounded stones shift under vehicles. Use 2-3 inches depth. Install edging to contain it. Pea gravel drains well and stays cooler than dark stone surfaces.