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Pea Gravel Calculator

Estimate pea gravel for patios, walkways, dog runs and play areas — by volume, by weight, or in bags.

Formulas reviewed 13 November 2026 · See the formula

Pea Gravel Calculator

Area
ft
ft
in
Material
lb/ft³

Pea gravel is often quoted around 90–100 lb/ft³ (≈1,450–1,600 kg/m³). Default: 95 lb/ft³.

Allowances
%

Loose stone compacts once laid and spread. 10 % is a common starting allowance; ask your supplier.

Bags
ft³

Use the volume printed on the bag. Leave blank if you are buying in bulk.

Cost estimate (optional)
USD /ton

Enter your local price to estimate cost. Prices vary by supplier and region.

USD /yd³

Enter your local price to estimate cost. Prices vary by supplier and region.

USD each

Enter your local price to estimate cost. Prices vary by supplier and region.

Results

Volume needed (incl. allowance)
2.04 yd³
55 ft³ · 1.56 m³
Estimated weight
2.61 US tons
2.37 tonnes
Bags needed
110 bags
Area covered
200 ft²18.58 m²
Net volume (no allowance)
1.85 yd³50 ft³ · 1.42 m³
  • Weight uses the density you entered. Bulk density varies with stone type, size and moisture — your supplier can confirm the figure for their product.

Estimates only. Prices are your own inputs in USD; material properties vary by product and supplier.

About the pea gravel calculator

Pea gravel is small, rounded stone that is pleasant underfoot and drains well. Because it is rounded it does not lock together like crushed stone, so it is usually laid inside an edging and topped up over time.

Pea gravel is sold in bulk by weight or volume, and in bags for smaller areas. Enter the volume printed on your bags (0.5 ft³ is common in the US; 20–25 kg bags are common elsewhere) to see how many you need.

How to use it

  1. Choose the shape of the area: rectangle, circle, or enter a total area you have already measured.
  2. Enter the dimensions and the depth you want once the material is in place.
  3. Check the density (for weight) — the default is a typical value; your supplier can give you the exact figure.
  4. Keep or adjust the allowance for compaction, settling and waste.
  5. Enter prices the way your supplier quotes them — per ton/tonne, per cubic yard/metre, or per bag.

Formula

Volume

V = area × depth × (1 + allowance % ÷ 100)

Weight

W = V × density (default 95 lb/ft³ ≈ 1,520 kg/m³)

Bags

bags = ⌈ V ÷ bag volume ⌉
  • If your bags are labelled by weight only, divide the bag weight by the density to estimate the bag volume.

Worked example: A 20 ft × 10 ft patio, 3 in deep

  1. Volume = 200 ft² × 0.25 ft = 50 ft³; +10 % = 55 ft³ (2.04 yd³)
  2. Weight = 55 × 95 = 5,225 lb = 2.61 US tons
  3. Bags of 0.5 ft³: 55 ÷ 0.5 = 110 bags

Result: About 2 yd³ in bulk, or 110 half-cubic-foot bags.

Assumptions and limitations

  • Default density is a typical figure for pea gravel; it varies with stone size and moisture.
  • For play areas, required depth depends on equipment fall height and local safety standards — follow the relevant guidance for your country.

Frequently asked questions

How deep should pea gravel be for a patio?

Around 3 in (7–8 cm) over a compacted base is a common choice for patios and paths. Thinner layers can let the base show through as the stone moves.

How many bags of pea gravel are in a cubic yard?

With 0.5 ft³ bags, one cubic yard (27 ft³) is 54 bags.

Does pea gravel need landscape fabric?

Many installers use a geotextile separator under gravel to stop it mixing with the soil, but it is not always required. Edging matters more for pea gravel because it migrates.

Sources and further reading

Results are estimates for planning purposes. See our disclaimer for details.