Pea Gravel Calculator
Enter your area and depth to get the cubic feet, cubic yards, and tons of pea gravel you need.
What your result means
Tons is the figure most bulk suppliers price by, so it leads here; cubic yards is there too. Pea gravel is about 96 lbs a cubic foot. Lay it 2 inches deep for decorative beds, 3 to 4 for a walkway, over a weed barrier, and edge it well since the round stones roll and migrate.
How to use this calculator
- Measure area in feet.
- Choose depth (2 in decorative, 4 in walkway).
- Read tons needed.
- Order bulk - bagged is much more expensive.
- Add edging to keep gravel in place.
The formula
Volume in cubic feet is length times width times depth in feet. Divide by 27 for cubic yards. Pea gravel weighs about 96 lbs a cubic foot, so multiply by 96 over 2,000 for tons.
Worked example
Say you're laying 100 sq ft of pea gravel 2 inches deep. That's 16.67 cubic feet, about 0.8 tons. Order it bulk; bagged costs a lot more.
Pea gravel quick reference
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 96 lb/cf |
| Decorative depth | 2 in |
| Walkway / driveway depth | 3 – 4 in |
| Bulk price | $30 – $60 / yd |
Tips & gotchas
- Density runs about 96 lbs a cubic foot.
- One cubic yard is 27 cubic feet.
- The stones are smooth and round, so they're kid-friendly.
- Best at 2 to 3 inches deep.
- Put a weed barrier underneath.
- Edging is essential; pea gravel rolls easily.
Frequently asked questions
How deep should pea gravel be?
2 inches for decorative beds, 3 to 4 for walkways or driveways.
How much does a yard of pea gravel weigh?
About 1.3 tons.
How much does pea gravel cost?
$30 to $60 a yard delivered in bulk.
Does pea gravel attract pests?
No, it actually deters most, unlike mulch.
Should I use landscape fabric under pea gravel?
Yes, to block weeds and keep the gravel from mixing into the soil.
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