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Pea Gravel Calculator
How much pea gravel do you need for a path, play area, dog run or drainage bed? Enter the size and depth for yards, tons and cost.
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Estimate only. Bag yields, material density and waste vary by product and supplier. Confirm quantities with your supplier and check local building codes before you buy or build.
How much does pea gravel weigh?
Pea gravel typically weighs about 1.4 to 1.6 US tons per cubic yard (2,800 to 3,200 pounds). This calculator uses 1.4 as the default, and you can change it if your supplier gives a different figure.
Recommended depth for pea gravel
Two inches is enough for a decorative path or planting bed. Use 3 to 4 inches for play areas and dog runs, and put landscape fabric underneath to keep it from sinking into the soil.
Pea gravel for drainage
Pea gravel drains well, so it works around downspouts, French drains and patio edges. Use a deeper layer, 4 inches or more, where water moves through it.
Frequently asked questions
How many bags of pea gravel are in a cubic yard?
A 50 lb bag of pea gravel holds about 0.5 cubic feet, so a cubic yard (27 cubic feet) is roughly 54 bags. Buying in bulk by the ton or yard is usually cheaper once you need more than half a yard.
How much pea gravel do I need for a 10 x 10 area?
At 2 inches deep a 10 × 10 ft area is 0.62 cubic yards, about 0.7 with waste, or roughly 1 ton. At 4 inches deep it doubles.
How do I convert pea gravel from yards to tons?
Multiply cubic yards by 1.4. A 2-yard delivery is about 2.8 US tons.
How accurate is this estimate?
It is a planning estimate, not an order. Bag yields, material density and waste vary by product, supplier and job, so confirm quantities with your supplier and check local building codes before you buy or pour.
Are my measurements saved?
No. Everything is calculated in your browser. Nothing is uploaded or stored.
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Also on this topic: Gravel calculator, Driveway gravel calculator.