YardVolume Calculator
🪨 Free Pea Gravel Calculator

Pea Gravel Calculator — Cubic Yards & Bags

Find out exactly how much pea gravel you need for paths, playgrounds, drainage, or decorative areas. Get cubic yards, bag count, weight, and cost instantly.

✅ Cubic Yards ✅ Bag Count ✅ Weight in Tons ✅ Cost Estimate ✅ Any Shape
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Frequently Asked Questions

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Multiply your area in square feet by the desired depth in inches, then divide by 324 to get cubic yards. Example: a 10×12 ft path at 3 inches deep = (120 × 3) ÷ 324 = 1.11 cubic yards. Add 10% waste to get 1.22 cubic yards. Our pea gravel calculator does this instantly for any shape.
Pea gravel is sold in 0.5 cubic foot bags at hardware stores. One cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet, so you need 54 bags (0.5 cu ft each) per cubic yard. For example, 2 cubic yards = 108 bags. Our calculator shows exact bag count automatically when you enter your dimensions.
For a garden path or walkway, apply 2–3 inches of pea gravel. For better stability and weed suppression, 3 inches is recommended. For a playground or sandbox, use 6 inches for adequate cushioning. For drainage applications around pipes, fill to the level required by your design, typically 6–12 inches.
Pea gravel typically costs $35–$55 per cubic yard for the material. Delivery fees add $50–$150 per load depending on distance. Bagged pea gravel from hardware stores costs $4–$7 per 0.5 cubic foot bag, which works out to $216–$378 per cubic yard — significantly more expensive than bulk. Use bulk delivery for orders over 2 cubic yards.
Pea gravel weighs approximately 1.35 tons (2,700 lbs) per cubic yard. This is slightly lighter than crushed stone (1.5 tons/cu yd) because pea gravel is rounded with void spaces between stones. Our calculator shows the exact weight for your order in both tons and pounds.
Pea gravel is not ideal for vehicle driveways because its round shape causes it to shift and scatter under tires. It also doesn't compact well. For driveways, use crushed stone #57 or crusher run which has angular edges that lock together. Pea gravel works well for pedestrian paths, around stepping stones, and in decorative areas where vehicle traffic is not a concern.

Pea Gravel Calculator — Complete Guide

Pea gravel is one of the most versatile landscaping materials available. Its smooth, rounded stones (typically 3/8 inch diameter) make it ideal for garden paths, playgrounds, drainage beds, and decorative ground cover. Calculating the right quantity is straightforward using our formula: (Area sq ft × Depth inches) ÷ 324 = Cubic Yards.

Pea Gravel Depth Guide by Application

Application Recommended Depth Notes
Garden path / walkway 2–3 inches Use landscape fabric underneath to suppress weeds
Around stepping stones 2–3 inches Keep level with stone surface for clean look
Playground / sandbox 6 inches Minimum for fall protection under equipment
Dog run / pet area 3–4 inches Good drainage, cool surface for paws
Around trees / shrubs 2–3 inches Keep 3 inches away from trunk base
Drainage / French drain 6–12 inches Use clean washed pea gravel for best flow
Decorative ground cover 2 inches Thinner layer fine for purely aesthetic areas
Fire pit surround 3–4 inches Non-combustible, heat-safe surface

Pea Gravel Quick Reference — Coverage by Cubic Yard

Cubic Yards At 2" deep At 3" deep At 6" deep Weight (tons)
0.5 cu yd 81 sq ft 54 sq ft 27 sq ft 0.68 tons
1 cu yd 162 sq ft 108 sq ft 54 sq ft 1.35 tons
2 cu yd 324 sq ft 216 sq ft 108 sq ft 2.70 tons
3 cu yd 486 sq ft 324 sq ft 162 sq ft 4.05 tons
5 cu yd 810 sq ft 540 sq ft 270 sq ft 6.75 tons
10 cu yd 1,620 sq ft 1,080 sq ft 540 sq ft 13.5 tons

Bulk vs Bagged Pea Gravel

For orders over 2 cubic yards, bulk pea gravel delivered by truck is significantly cheaper than bags. A 0.5 cu ft bag costs $4–$7, putting bulk at $216–$378 per cubic yard. Bulk pea gravel costs $35–$55 per cubic yard — a saving of 80–90%. Use bagged pea gravel only for small touch-ups or when delivery access is not possible. For other gravel types and applications, see our main gravel calculator.

Installation Tips for Pea Gravel

  • ▸ Install landscape fabric first: Weed fabric under pea gravel significantly reduces maintenance. Use a commercial-grade fabric, not lightweight plastic sheeting which tears easily.
  • ▸ Add edging before you start: Pea gravel migrates without physical edging. Install metal, plastic, or stone edging before spreading gravel to keep it contained.
  • ▸ Spread with a rake: Use a landscape rake to spread pea gravel evenly. A straight-edge board can help achieve a consistent depth across flat areas.
  • ▸ Top up annually: Pea gravel settles and some stones scatter over time. Plan to add 0.5–1 inch of fresh material each year to maintain coverage.
  • ▸ Avoid on slopes: Pea gravel's round shape makes it unstable on slopes steeper than 15%. Use angular crushed stone or step stones on sloped areas instead.

Also see our main gravel calculator for crushed stone, decomposed granite, and other materials. For complete project cost, use our gravel cost calculator.

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