Quick answer
Pea Gravel Calculator: direct answer
Pea Gravel Calculator helps you estimate pea gravel cubic yards, tons, and cost for paths, patios, play areas, and landscape beds. It is best for pea gravel paths, patios, play areas, and beds and returns cubic feet, cubic yards, estimated tons for material planning.
Use this calculator when you know project length and width or total area, gravel depth, material type or density. The estimate uses this rule: cubic yards = area x depth in feet / 27; tons = cubic yards x density.
Inputs
- Project length and width or total area
- Gravel depth
- Material type or density
- Waste percentage
- Cost per ton
Outputs
- Cubic feet
- Cubic yards
- Estimated tons
- Estimated material cost
Formula
How this estimate works
cubic yards = area x depth in feet / 27; tons = cubic yards x density
In plain terms, multiply area by gravel depth, convert volume into cubic yards, then use material density to estimate tons and cost.
A 180 sq ft area at 3 in deep needs about 1.67 cubic yards before waste.
Pea gravel volume
Pea gravel estimates use the same area and depth method as other gravel, then apply a density estimate to convert volume to tons.
Where pea gravel is used
Pea gravel is common for paths, decorative beds, seating areas, and drainage zones, but it can shift under vehicle traffic.
Assumptions used
- Pea gravel density is estimated at 1.3 tons per cubic yard.
- Actual weight can vary by source and moisture.
- Depth is applied evenly across the area.
Before you order materials
- Use edging where pea gravel might spread.
- Confirm whether pea gravel suits the traffic load.
- Add waste for irregular edges.
Frequently asked questions
How deep should pea gravel be?
Many decorative applications use around 2 to 3 inches, but project requirements vary.
Can pea gravel be used for driveways?
It can shift more than angular stone, so confirm whether it is appropriate for the traffic load.
How much does pea gravel weigh?
The calculator uses a planning density, but actual weight varies by supplier and moisture.