Pea Gravel Calculator
Calculate exactly how much pea gravel you need for walkways, patios, playgrounds, drainage and garden beds — in cubic yards, tons, bags and dollars.
1. Measure length and width in the same unit. For circles, measure the diameter across the widest point.
2. Pick a depth: 2 in for decorative beds, 3 in for walkways, 4–6 in for driveways.
3. Add waste and compaction: 5–10% waste for spillage. 15–20% compaction if you'll drive on it.
4. Pick the right material: crushed stone compacts well for base layers; pea gravel is best for decorative surfaces.
Based on Pea gravel at 1.35 tons/yd³.
A 12 ft × 12 ft patio at 3 in depth ≈ 1.33 yd³ ≈ 1.8 tons of pea gravel.
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How the Pea Gravel Calculator helps you plan
The Pea Gravel Calculator takes the guesswork out of pea gravel. Instead of hand-converting units or guessing at coverage, you enter simple measurements and receive quantities you can hand directly to a supplier.
It is tuned for typical residential landscaping — beds, borders, paths, and small backyard projects — but the underlying math scales to commercial jobs when you enter larger dimensions.
- Coverage estimates in square feet and square meters
- Depth-based volume so you never over- or under-buy
- Bagged and bulk equivalents side-by-side
- Optional pricing to see the full project cost
Choosing the right depth
Depth is the single biggest driver of cost. For mulch and decorative pea gravel, 2–3 inches is usually enough to smother weeds and retain moisture. For paths and driveways you'll want 4–6 inches over a compacted base.
If you're topping up an existing area, only count the new depth you're adding — not the total. A quick re-measurement each spring will save a full delivery over the life of the bed.
When to order in bulk vs. bags
Bags are convenient for jobs under about a cubic yard. Above that, bulk delivery is cheaper per unit and easier to spread. The Pea Gravel Calculator shows both totals so you can compare at a glance.
If access is tight (narrow gates, upstairs terraces), bags may still win despite the higher unit cost, simply because a bulk load has nowhere to go.
About pea gravel
Pea gravel is small, rounded stone typically 3/8 in in diameter. It's a popular choice for walkways, patios, garden beds, playgrounds and drainage layers because the smooth stones are comfortable underfoot, drain water well, and come in warm natural colors. This pea gravel calculator converts your project's length, width and depth into cubic yards, tons, bags and total cost — so you can order the right amount the first time.
The density preset used here (≈ 1.35 tons per cubic yard) matches how landscape and stone suppliers quote pea gravel by weight. Add a waste % for spillage and a compaction % if you'll walk or drive on the surface. For a typical patio or walkway, plan for 2–3 in of pea gravel over a compacted base. For a playground, 6–12 in of pea gravel provides the impact-attenuating depth recommended for play equipment.