Pea Gravel Calculator
Enter your area and depth to see how many cubic yards, tons or bags of pea gravel to order.
Typical depths for pea gravel
| Job | Typical depth |
|---|---|
| Garden paths | 2–3 in |
| Patios and seating areas | 3–4 in |
| Play areas | Follow the CPSC Public Playground Safety Handbook for your fall height |
Typical ranges, not specifications. Follow your project's plans or local requirements where they apply.
How much does a cubic yard of pea gravel cover?
One cubic yard is 27 cubic feet. Spread it 1 inch deep and it covers 324 square feet. Every extra inch of depth cuts the coverage proportionally. A cubic yard of pea gravel weighs about 1.35 tons.
| Depth | 1 cubic yard covers |
|---|---|
| 1 in | 324 sq ft |
| 2 in | 162 sq ft |
| 3 in | 108 sq ft |
| 4 in | 81 sq ft |
| 6 in | 54 sq ft |
How the pea gravel calculator works
Area = length × width (circle: π × radius²; triangle: base × height ÷ 2)
Cubic feet = area × (depth in inches ÷ 12)
Cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27
Tons = cubic yards × weight per cubic yard ÷ 2,000
Worked example: a 12 ft round patio, 3 in deep
Area: 3.1416 × (6 ft)² = 113.1 sq ft. Volume: 113.1 × (3 ÷ 12) = 28.3 cubic feet. Cubic yards: 28.3 ÷ 27 = 1.05 cubic yards, which weighs about 1.41 tons at 2,700 lb per cubic yard.
Adding 10% for settling brings it to 1.15 cubic yards, about 1.56 tons. Pea gravel is usually sold by the ton, the cubic yard or by the bag.
Tips before you order
- Pea gravel rolls underfoot. An edging border keeps it in place.
- A landscape fabric layer underneath helps keep weeds down and the gravel clean.
Questions people ask
How much does a cubic yard of pea gravel weigh?
About 1.35 tons (2,700 lb) is a typical figure. Most pea gravel weighs 2,500–2,900 lb per cubic yard, depending on the material and how wet it is. Your supplier can tell you the weight of theirs.
How many square feet does a yard of pea gravel cover?
One cubic yard covers 162 sq ft at 2 inches deep, 108 sq ft at 3 inches and 81 sq ft at 4 inches. The rule: 324 ÷ depth in inches.
How do I convert cubic yards of pea gravel to tons?
Multiply cubic yards by the weight per cubic yard and divide by 2,000. At 2,700 lb per yard, that's cubic yards × 1.35.
How many 0.5 cu ft bags of pea gravel are in a cubic yard?
About 54 0.5 cu ft bags make one cubic yard (by volume).
How much pea gravel do I need for a 12 ft round patio, 3 in deep?
About 1.05 cubic yards (about 1.41 tons), or 1.15 cubic yards with 10% extra for settling.