Pea Gravel Calculator
How much pea gravel (pea stone) do I need? Plan depth, coverage, tons, cubic yards, bags, edging, and cost for paths, patios, driveways, and drainage beds.
Area Dimensions
Application preset
Pathways
2.5" typical
Comfortable walking paths and patios. Adjust depth for your site conditions.
Ready to calculate
Enter your area dimensions
Last updated May 13, 2026 by our expert review team
Pea Gravel Coverage by Depth
| Project use | Depth | Coverage | Planning note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walking path | 2" | 81 sq ft/yd³ | Good for garden paths, side yards, and light foot traffic. |
| Patio or sitting area | 2.5" | 65 sq ft/yd³ | More comfortable under chairs and less likely to expose fabric. |
| Driveway top layer | 3.5" | 46 sq ft/yd³ | Use over a compacted angular-stone base, not bare soil. |
| Drainage trench bed | 5" | 32 sq ft/yd³ | Specify washed gravel so fines do not clog the drain system. |
Expert Contributors
Ruth Wairimu
Landscape Architect
Landscape architect with 9+ years of experience, AAK member, IFLA climate activist, and founder of Bloomwell.
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Certified Cost & Estimating Professional
AACE-certified estimator working with 20+ insulation companies including the two largest franchises in America.
See full profileUpdated May 2026
How we verify our calculatorsPro Tips
Install landscape edging before spreading gravel. Without a border, pea gravel migrates into lawn areas within months.
Lay commercial-grade landscape fabric underneath and overlap seams by 6 inches. The Landscaping Network recommends woven polypropylene fabric for gravel installations, blocking weeds for 5 to 7 years versus 1 to 2 with cheap fabric.
Order washed pea gravel instead of unwashed. It costs $5 to $10 more per ton but drains better and leaves no dust film.
Compact pea gravel with a plate compactor after spreading. Loose gravel shifts underfoot and takes months to settle naturally. For a stable base under pavers, see our Paver Base Calculator.
Plan to top up 1/2 inch of gravel annually. Foot traffic and rain runoff thin coverage over time, especially along edges.
For drainage projects, combine pea gravel with a perforated pipe system. Use our French Drain Calculator to estimate materials for proper water management.
For a complete driveway estimate with base layers, use our gravel driveway calculator.
How the Calculator Works
The calculator converts your length, width, and depth measurements into cubic yards using standard volume formulas, then multiplies by pea gravel's density (1.4 tons per cubic yard) to give you the weight for ordering from a landscape supplier. The compaction factor accounts for the 15 to 25% volume loss that occurs when loose gravel settles and compacts underfoot. Skip this adjustment and you'll end up with thin spots within weeks. The waste factor covers edge spillage and uneven subgrade.
Formula
Length × Width × (Depth ÷ 12) = Cubic Feet
Cubic Feet ÷ 27 × 1.4 = Tons needed
Quick Reference
- Weight per cubic yard
- ~1.4 tons
- 50 lb bag covers
- ~0.5 cu ft
- Typical depth
- 2-3 inches
- Bulk price range
- $30-60/ton
Frequently Asked Questions About Pea Gravel
How much pea gravel do I need?
Multiply length x width x depth (in inches), divide by 12 for cubic feet, then by 27 for cubic yards. A 10x10 patio at 2 inches deep needs about 0.62 cubic yards.
How deep should pea gravel be?
2 inches for pathways, 3 to 4 inches for driveways, and 4 to 6 inches for drainage. Deeper than 4 inches offers no extra benefit for most uses.
How much does pea gravel weigh?
USGS aggregate data confirms pea gravel weighs about 1.4 tons (2,800 lbs) per cubic yard. A 50-lb bag covers roughly 0.5 cubic feet. One cubic yard will overload a standard pickup truck.
How much pea gravel for a patio?
A 10x12 patio at 2 inches deep needs about 0.74 cubic yards (just over 1 ton). At 3 inches, bump to 1.1 cubic yards. Add 10% for compaction.
Bulk or bags?
Bulk is cheaper above 1 cubic yard: $30 to $60/ton delivered vs. $200+/ton in bags. Bags only make sense under 0.5 cubic yards.
Pea gravel vs crushed stone?
Pea gravel is smooth and comfortable for patios and paths. Crushed stone locks together on slopes and driveways. Use our Stone Calculator to estimate crushed stone for base layers.
Does pea gravel need edging?
Yes. Without edging it spreads into your yard within weeks. Use steel or aluminum landscape edging installed 1/2 inch above gravel depth.
Should You Use Pea Gravel or Another Material?
Pea gravel is best when comfort, drainage, and a rounded decorative finish matter. It is not the best choice for steep slopes or structural base layers because the rounded stones do not lock together.
| Material | Cost/Ton | Drainage | Walkability | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pea gravel (3/8") | $30-60 | Excellent | Comfortable | Patios, paths, play areas |
| Crushed stone (#57) | $25-50 | Good | Rough | Driveways, compacted base layers |
| River rock (1-3") | $50-120 | Excellent | Difficult | Decorative beds, dry creek beds |
| Decomposed granite | $35-70 | Moderate | Firm | Formal paths, xeriscaping |
Real Project Example: Pea Gravel Patio Plan
A useful estimate includes the gravel order plus the supporting pieces that keep the project from spreading, settling, or growing weeds.
Area
216 sq ft
Volume
2.08 cubic yards
Order
2.9 tons
Gravel cost
$130-$175 bulk gravel
Do not forget
- Landscape fabric: one 6 x 50 ft roll covers the area with overlap
- Edging: about 60 linear feet around the patio perimeter
- Waste/settling: add 10-15% if the subgrade is uneven
Other common project sizes
Backyard Patio
10×10 ft, 2" deepA small patio can use bagged material, but bulk delivery is usually cleaner if you also need edging and fabric.
Garden Pathway
3×30 ft, 3" deepOrder 1 ton for delivery. Leftover gravel works great for filling low spots around your yard. Install stepping stones on top for a polished look.
French Drain Bed
10×20 ft, 4" deepBulk delivery is the only practical option at this volume. Specify washed pea gravel for drainage applications to avoid fine particles clogging your drain pipe.
Pea Gravel Mistakes That Cost You Money
No edging or border
Pea gravel migrates into grass and walkways within weeks. Install steel or aluminum edging flush with the gravel surface.
Spreading too thin
A 1-inch layer exposes fabric underneath and offers no weed suppression. Use 2 to 3 inches minimum.
Skipping the weed barrier
Weeds grow through bare gravel within one season. Use 3+ oz commercial fabric, pinned every 12 inches with 6-inch seam overlap.
Using on steep slopes
Pea gravel rolls downhill on grades above 5%. Use angular crushed stone instead, or add retaining borders every 4 to 5 feet.
Important Disclaimer
These estimates are for planning purposes only. Actual costs vary by location, material availability, and project complexity. Always get at least 3 local quotes. This calculator does not replace professional advice.
Sources
See 20 pea gravel patio ideas
Browse the looks, then price yours here.