Pea Gravel Calculator
Estimate pea gravel in tons and cubic yards for walkways, patios, drainage, and decorative ground cover.
Your Pea Gravel Estimate
- Enter area — length and width of the space to cover.
- Set depth — 2" for decorative, 3–4" for paths, 4–6" for drainage.
- Check density — 96 lb/ft³ is standard. Pea gravel is lighter than crushed stone.
- Add waste — 10% for bordered areas. Use 15% for areas without edging.
- Install edging first — pea gravel migrates without borders — install edging before filling.
Planning a Pea Gravel Project
Pea gravel consists of small, naturally rounded stones typically 1/8 to 3/8 inch in diameter. Its smooth texture makes it comfortable to walk on and popular for patios, paths, dog runs, and decorative ground cover. It also provides excellent drainage — better than most crushed stone products.
The biggest planning consideration is containment. Pea gravel migrates easily and will spread beyond its intended area without proper edging. Install steel, plastic, or stone edging before filling, and plan for periodic raking to redistribute stones that shift from foot traffic.
Pea Gravel Coverage by Area and Depth
| Area | Depth 2" | Depth 3" | Depth 4" |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 ft² | 0.31 yd³ (0.4 tons) | 0.46 yd³ (0.6 tons) | 0.62 yd³ (0.8 tons) |
| 100 ft² | 0.62 yd³ (0.8 tons) | 0.93 yd³ (1.2 tons) | 1.23 yd³ (1.6 tons) |
| 200 ft² | 1.23 yd³ (1.6 tons) | 1.85 yd³ (2.4 tons) | 2.47 yd³ (3.2 tons) |
| 500 ft² | 3.09 yd³ (4.0 tons) | 4.63 yd³ (6.0 tons) | 6.17 yd³ (7.9 tons) |
Based on 96 lb/ft³ density. Includes 10% waste.
Formulas
Volume-to-weight with pea gravel density:
Cubic yards = Volume ÷ 27
Weight (tons) = Volume × 96 ÷ 2,000
With waste = Results × (1 + Waste %)
Pea gravel is lighter than crushed stone. One cubic yard weighs about 1.30 tons vs. 1.89 tons for crushed limestone.
Related Calculators
Pea gravel works great over a sand base. See the full surface calculator collection for all loose material tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
How deep should pea gravel be for a patio?
3 to 4 inches is ideal for a pea gravel patio. Less than 2 inches and the base shows through; more than 4 inches and walking becomes difficult as feet sink. Install landscape fabric over compacted gravel base first to prevent weed growth and mixing with the soil below.
Does pea gravel need a base underneath?
For patios and walkways, a 2–4 inch compacted sand or gravel base under pea gravel reduces migration and settling. Landscape fabric between the base and pea gravel helps prevent the pea gravel from sinking into the soil over time. Without a base on soft or clay soil, pea gravel disappears into the ground within a few seasons.
How much pea gravel do I need for a patio?
For a patio, use 2–3 inches of pea gravel depth. A 10×10 ft patio at 2 inches deep needs approximately 0.62 cubic yards (about 0.9 tons). Use the calculator above for your exact dimensions. Most suppliers sell pea gravel by the ton or by the cubic yard — confirm the unit with your supplier before ordering.
Will pea gravel wash away in rain?
Pea gravel is prone to migration because the smooth, round stones do not interlock like crushed stone. To minimize washout: install edging (metal, plastic, or brick) around all perimeter edges, use landscape fabric underneath, and keep depth at 2–3 inches. On slopes, pea gravel is a poor choice — consider stepping stones or crushed stone that compacts and locks together.
How deep should pea gravel be for a path or patio?
For a patio: 3–4 inches of pea gravel over a compacted base. For a walkway or footpath: 2–3 inches is enough for light foot traffic. Below 2 inches the base shows through and stones migrate quickly. Above 4 inches, pea gravel is uncomfortable to walk on because feet sink. Install edging on all sides — metal, plastic, or concrete curb — to prevent spreading. Without edging, even a well-installed pea gravel surface will migrate outward within one season.