Pea Gravel Calculator
Pea gravel is small, smooth, rounded stone (about 3/8") that's comfortable underfoot — ideal for patios, paths, play areas and dog runs. Work out exactly how much you need below.
Sets a typical depth — tweak anything below.
For a 20 ft × 10 ft area at 2 in deep, order about 1.36 cubic yards (1.83 US tons) of pea gravel.
Estimates only. Densities vary by moisture, compaction and supplier — confirm quantities before ordering.
What is pea gravel?
Pea gravel is small, rounded stone roughly 3/8 inch (about 1 cm) across — named for its pea-like size. Worn smooth by water, it comes in mixed tans, browns, greys and whites and is comfortable underfoot.
What is pea gravel used for?
It's a favorite for walkways, patios, playgrounds, dog runs and filling between pavers because it drains well and feels good to walk on. Because the rounded stones shift, pea gravel is usually edged or contained and isn't ideal as a stand-alone driveway surface.
How much does pea gravel weigh?
A cubic yard of pea gravel weighs about 1.35 US tons — roughly 1600 kg/m³, or about 100 lb/ft³. Moisture and compaction shift this, so the calculator applies this density and lets you change it in the extra options if your supplier quotes a different figure.
Coverage by depth
| Depth | Coverage per ton | Coverage per cubic yard |
|---|---|---|
| 1 inch | ~240 sq ft | 324 sq ft |
| 2 inches | ~120 sq ft | 162 sq ft |
| 3 inches | ~80 sq ft | 108 sq ft |
| 4 inches | ~60 sq ft | 81 sq ft |
| 6 inches | ~40 sq ft | 54 sq ft |
Based on about 1600 kg/m³. Actual coverage varies with compaction and moisture.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Guessing the depth. Too shallow and the material shifts and shows the ground beneath. Most surface layers want 2–4 inches; load-bearing bases are built up thicker.
- Forgetting to convert inches to feet. Depth is quoted in inches but volume math is in feet — 4 inches is 0.33 ft, not 4. The calculator handles this, but hand estimates often don't.
- Skipping the waste allowance. Ground is never perfectly flat and material settles once it's placed. Order 5–10% extra so a small shortfall doesn't trigger a second delivery.
- Using the wrong density. Each material weighs differently, so tonnage can be off by 20%+ if you use a generic figure. Pick the right material and adjust the density if your supplier differs.
- Buying bags for a big job. Bagged material costs far more per cubic yard than bulk. Past roughly one cubic yard, a bulk delivery is almost always cheaper.
Frequently asked questions
How deep should pea gravel be?+
2 inches is enough for a decorative layer or path over landscape fabric; 3 inches gives better coverage in high-traffic areas. Over a compacted base, driveways are built up thicker.
Does pea gravel need edging?+
Usually yes. The smooth, round stones migrate underfoot and with rain, so a border — steel, stone or plastic edging — keeps it in place.
Will pea gravel stay in place?+
Not on its own — that's its one real drawback. The smooth, round stones migrate underfoot, spread out of beds, and travel into the lawn without a border. Edge it with steel, stone or paver restraint, keep the layer around 2 inches (deeper shifts more), and it behaves. It wanders more on slopes, so it's happiest on flat ground.
Is pea gravel good for a driveway?+
It works, but it's the highest-maintenance choice. The rounded stones don't lock together, so tires push them into ruts and spray them to the edges. If you go this route, lay 2–3 inches over a compacted crushed-stone base, add solid edging, and plan to rake it back a couple times a year. For a lower-fuss driveway, crushed stone or road base stays put far better.
How many tons of pea gravel do I need?+
A cubic yard of pea gravel weighs about 1.35 US tons, so one ton covers roughly 120 square feet at 2 inches deep, or 80 square feet at 3 inches. Enter your area and depth above and you get both the cubic yards and the tons — order in whichever unit your supplier quotes, since some sell pea gravel by the yard and some by the ton.
How much does pea gravel cost?+
Bulk pea gravel runs about $45–$90 a cubic yard, or roughly $35–$70 a ton, picked up at the yard — washed and colored decorative grades sit at the top of that range. Delivery adds a flat $50–$150 per load. Bags are the expensive route: at 0.5 cubic foot each you need 54 to make a yard, which lands well north of $200. Take the tonnage from the calculator and call two local suppliers — pea gravel is heavy, so freight is most of what you pay.