How to calculate how much pea gravel you need
- Measure the length and width of the area in feet and multiply them to get square feet.
- Divide the depth in inches by 12 and multiply by the square feet. The result is cubic feet.
- Divide cubic feet by 27 to get cubic yards, the unit most yards sell by.
- Multiply cubic yards by about 1.4 to estimate tons, or ask your supplier for their weight.
- Add 5 to 10 percent for uneven ground and settling.
Worked example. A 12 × 8 ft patio, 3 inches deep: 96 ft² × 0.25 ft = 24 ft³. 24 ÷ 27 = 0.89 yd³, about 1.24 tons, or 48 bags of 0.5 ft³.
How many tons of pea gravel do I need?
Pea gravel usually weighs about 1.4 tons per cubic yard, so one ton is roughly 19 cubic feet. How far that goes depends on depth:
| Depth | One ton covers about |
|---|---|
| 2 in | 116 ft² |
| 3 in | 77 ft² |
| 4 in | 58 ft² |
How many bags of pea gravel do I need?
Most stores sell pea gravel in 0.5 ft³ bags, so a cubic yard takes 54 bags. For every 100 square feet you need about 34 bags at 2 inches deep, 50 bags at 3 inches and 67 bags at 4 inches. Above half a cubic yard, bulk delivery is usually cheaper; enter both prices in the calculator to compare.
Pea gravel for a round area
For a fire pit surround or round bed, choose Circle and enter the diameter. Area is 3.1416 × (diameter ÷ 2)². An 8 ft circle is 50.3 ft², which needs about 0.47 yd³ at 3 inches deep.
How deep should pea gravel be?
| Project | Typical depth |
|---|---|
| Garden path or walkway | 2–3 in |
| Patio | 3 in |
| Driveway top layer, over a compacted base | 3–4 in |
| Playground | Set by fall height; see the CPSC Public Playground Safety Handbook |
New to pea gravel? Our guide covers sizes, colors and where it works.
Questions about pea gravel quantities
How many cubic feet are in a yard of pea gravel?
27 cubic feet. A cubic yard is 3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft.
How much does a yard of pea gravel weigh?
About 2,800 lb, or 1.4 tons. Wet or larger stone weighs more, so check with your supplier.
How much pea gravel do I need for a 10 × 10 area?
At 3 inches deep, 25 ft³: about 0.93 yd³, 1.3 tons, or 50 bags of 0.5 ft³.
Should I add extra for waste?
Yes. Add 5 to 10 percent for uneven ground and settling. The calculator adds 5 percent by default.
Sources
- Playground surfacing depth: U.S. CPSC, Public Playground Safety Handbook
Last reviewed November 2, 2026. Found a wrong figure? Tell us.