Quantity · Pea gravel
Pea Gravel Calculator
Size rounded pea gravel for paths, patios, dog runs, play areas, and drainage trenches — with tons, yards, and approximate 50 lb bag counts. Depth presets match landscaping uses, not crushed-stone driveway sections. For general aggregate or driveway base, use the other gravel tools.
Pea gravel project
Deeper bed for chairs and more cover.
Tons to order
2.32tons
1.72 cu yd · density 1.30–1.40 ton/cy
- Area
- 168 sq ft
- Depth
- 3"
- Cubic yards
- 1.72 cy
- 50 lb bags
- ~93
- Tons (band)
- 2.2–2.4
- Density
- 1.35 ton/cy
Locked to pea gravel (rounded 3/8"). Bag count assumes ~0.5 cu ft per 50 lb bag — bulk delivery wins above roughly one ton. For crushed driveway stone, use the gravel driveway tools.
- Volume = area × depth ÷ 12 ÷ 27
- Tons = yards × 1.30–1.40 (pea gravel band)
- Bags ≈ ceil(cu ft with waste ÷ 0.5)
Price data updated . National US ranges from published supplier and contractor averages. Not a bid. Local quotes vary.
How pea gravel quantity is calculated
Same volume math as other aggregates, locked to pea-gravel density (about 1.30–1.40 tons per cubic yard). Bags assume roughly half a cubic foot per 50 lb bag. The coverage chart below is the page’s unique reference.
area_sq_ft = length × width cubic_yards = area × (depth_in / 12) / 27 tons = yards × 1.35 (typical pea gravel) bags_50lb ≈ ceil(yards × 27 / 0.5)
Worked example. A 12 × 14 ft patio at 3" (168 sq ft): volume 1.56 cy raw → 1.71 cy with 10% waste → about 2.3 tons at 1.35 ton/cy → roughly 93 bags of 50 lb if you buy retail.
Pea gravel coverage chart
How far one ton, one cubic yard, or one 50 lb bag goes at common depths. Assumes 1.35 tons per cubic yard — our pea-gravel typical. This chart is why the pea gravel page is not a thin copy of the general gravel calculator.
| Depth | 1 ton covers | 1 cy covers | 1 × 50 lb bag |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1" | 240 sq ft | 324 sq ft | 6 sq ft |
| 2" | 120 sq ft | 162 sq ft | 3 sq ft |
| 3" | 80 sq ft | 108 sq ft | 2 sq ft |
| 4" | 60 sq ft | 81 sq ft | 1.5 sq ft |
| 6" | 40 sq ft | 54 sq ft | 1 sq ft |
- Wet or compacted stone covers slightly less per ton.
- Bulk delivery is usually cheaper once you pass about one ton.
Recommended pea gravel depth by use
Project-type presets in the calculator. Crushed driveway base depths are different — use the driveway calculator for those.
| Use | Depth | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Walkway / path | 2" | Over landscape fabric |
| Patio / seating | 3" | Chairs and foot traffic |
| Dog run | 3" | Drainage + digging resistance |
| Play surface | 4" | Thicker cushion |
| French drain trench | 6"+ | Trench fill height |
Pea Gravel calculator FAQ
- How much pea gravel do I need?
- Multiply length × width × depth (in feet), divide by 27 for cubic yards, then multiply by about 1.35 for tons. This calculator also estimates 50 lb bags for small DIY buys.
- How many square feet does a ton of pea gravel cover?
- About 120 sq ft at 2" deep, 80 sq ft at 3", or 60 sq ft at 4" — see the coverage chart on this page.
- Is pea gravel the same as crushed stone?
- No. Pea gravel is rounded and used for paths, patios, and decorative beds. Crushed stone locks better for driveway bases — use the gravel driveway tools for those jobs.
- Should I buy bags or bulk?
- Bags are fine for small borders. Above roughly one ton, bulk delivery is almost always cheaper per pound.
- What depth for a pea gravel patio?
- About 3" is common. Paths often use 2"; play areas closer to 4".
- Where is the general gravel calculator?
- Use the gravel calculator for mixed materials (sand, topsoil, crushed stone) or the driveway calculators for base + surface sections.
Related tools
General gravel calculator · Gravel driveway quantity · Gravel driveway cost · All gravel calculators