Pea Gravel Calculator: Estimate Cubic Yards, Tons & Bags (2026 Cost Guide)
Small, smooth, rounded stones (about 3/8") used for patios, paths, dog runs and drainage.
Pea gravel is comfortable underfoot, drains instantly and costs far less than pavers. It weighs about 1.4 tons per cubic yard, so the weight estimate matters before you load a pickup. Use 2 inches for decorative cover, 3 inches for paths and patios, and 4 inches or more over a compacted base for areas with regular traffic.
1Measure your area
2Prices (optional)
+ $90 typical delivery
Your Pea Gravel estimate
Total volume
2.04 cu. yd
Bags needed
110
Estimated weight
2.85 tons
Bulk order
2.5 cu. yd
- Bulk (2.5 yd + delivery)Best value$210
$120 material + $90 delivery
- Bagged (110 × 0.5 cu. ft bag (~50 lb))$603
$5.48 per bag
Bulk delivery saves about $393. Prices are US averages — enter your local quotes above.
Can my truck haul it?
- Mid-size pickup (~1,000 lbs)6 trips
- Half-ton pickup (F-150 / Silverado 1500) (~1,500 lbs)4 trips
- 3/4-ton pickup (2500 series) (~2,500 lbs)3 trips
- 1-ton pickup (3500 series) (~4,000 lbs)2 trips
Material shopping list
| Pea Gravel — bulk≈ 2.85 tons · $210 delivered | 2.5 cu. yd |
| Pea Gravel — or bagged (0.5 cu. ft bag (~50 lb))$603 at $5.48/bag | 110 bags |
| Coverage3" deep · 10% overage included | 200 sq. ft |
Prices are estimates. Confirm bag yield (cu. ft) on the package before buying.
How much pea gravel do I need? Quick-reference table
Pre-calculated amounts for common project sizes, including a 10% overage. Bags are based on the 0.5 cu. ft bag (~50 lb); weight uses 2,800 lbs per cubic yard.
| Area | Depth | Cubic yards | Cubic feet | Bags | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10×10 ft (100 sq. ft) | 2" | 0.68 | 18.3 | 37 | 0.95 tons |
| 10×10 ft (100 sq. ft) | 3" | 1.02 | 27.5 | 55 | 1.43 tons |
| 10×10 ft (100 sq. ft) | 4" | 1.36 | 36.7 | 74 | 1.9 tons |
| 12×12 ft (144 sq. ft) | 2" | 0.98 | 26.4 | 53 | 1.37 tons |
| 12×12 ft (144 sq. ft) | 3" | 1.47 | 39.6 | 80 | 2.05 tons |
| 12×12 ft (144 sq. ft) | 4" | 1.96 | 52.8 | 106 | 2.74 tons |
| 20×20 ft (400 sq. ft) | 2" | 2.72 | 73.3 | 147 | 3.8 tons |
| 20×20 ft (400 sq. ft) | 3" | 4.07 | 110 | 220 | 5.7 tons |
| 20×20 ft (400 sq. ft) | 4" | 5.43 | 146.7 | 294 | 7.6 tons |
How much area does a cubic yard of pea gravel cover?
| Depth | 1 cu. yd covers | 1 ton covers | 1 bag covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1" | 324 sq. ft | 231 sq. ft | 6 sq. ft |
| 2" | 162 sq. ft | 116 sq. ft | 3 sq. ft |
| 3" | 108 sq. ft | 77 sq. ft | 2 sq. ft |
| 4" | 81 sq. ft | 58 sq. ft | 1.5 sq. ft |
| 6" | 54 sq. ft | 39 sq. ft | 1 sq. ft |
The pea gravel formula, step by step
This calculator uses the standard US bulk-material formula:Cubic Yards = (Area in sq. ft × (Depth in inches ÷ 12)) ÷ 27. Here's a worked example for a 12 × 12 ft area at 3 inches deep:
- Measure the area. Multiply length × width in feet to get square feet. Break irregular shapes into rectangles and add them.
- Convert depth to feet. Divide the depth in inches by 12. A 3" layer is 0.25 ft.
- Calculate cubic feet and yards. Multiply square feet × depth in feet for cubic feet, then divide by 27 for cubic yards.
- Add a waste factor. Multiply by 1.10 to add 10% for settling, compaction and spillage.
- Convert to bags and tons. Divide cubic feet by 0.5 for 0.5 cu. ft bag (~50 lb), and multiply cubic yards by 1.4 for tons.
Result: 144 sq. ft × 0.25 ft = 36cu. ft ÷ 27 = 1.33 cubic yards. With 10% extra that's 1.47 cu. yd — about 80 bags or 2.05 tons.
Pea Gravel cost guide (2026)
- Bulk:$35–$75 per cubic yard (US average ≈ $48), plus about $90 delivery.
- Bagged:0.5 cu. ft bag (~50 lb) ≈ $5.48 each — 54 bags per yard, or about $296 per cubic yard.
- Weight: 2,800 lbs per cubic yard (1.4tons). A half-ton pickup can safely carry about 0.54 cu. yd per trip.
Pro tips for installing pea gravel
- Excavate 3–4 inches and lay landscape fabric so the gravel doesn't sink into the soil.
- Install rigid edging (steel, stone or pavers) — round pea gravel migrates without a border.
- For a firmer walking surface, place 2 inches of compacted crushed stone base under 2 inches of pea gravel.
- Rake the surface level and wet it down to settle the stones before you check the final depth.
Common uses
- Patios, fire-pit areas and garden paths
- Dog runs and play areas
- French drains and around downspouts
Pea Gravel FAQ
How much does a cubic yard of pea gravel weigh?
Pea gravel weighs about 2,700–2,900 lbs per cubic yard — roughly 1.4 tons. Most half-ton pickups can only carry about half a yard safely in one trip.
How many square feet does a ton of pea gravel cover?
One ton (about 0.71 cubic yards) covers roughly 116 sq. ft at 2 inches deep, 77 sq. ft at 3 inches and 58 sq. ft at 4 inches.
How many 0.5 cu. ft bags of pea gravel equal a yard?
It takes 54 bags of 0.5 cu. ft pea gravel to make one cubic yard (27 ÷ 0.5). That's about 2,700 lbs of bags, so bulk delivery is usually easier past half a yard.
What should I put under pea gravel?
Lay a woven landscape fabric over compacted soil. For patios and heavy foot traffic, add 2–4 inches of compacted crushed limestone or road base first so the pea gravel doesn't shift.