Pea Gravel Calculator
Calculate how much pea gravel you need for your project. Enter the area dimensions and desired depth to get results in cubic yards, tons, and pounds.
How Much Pea Gravel Do You Need?
To calculate the amount of pea gravel for your project, you need three measurements: the length and width of the area in feet, and the desired depth in inches. Multiply length by width to get the area in square feet, then multiply by the depth in feet (inches divided by 12) to get the volume in cubic feet. Divide by 27 to convert to cubic yards, and multiply cubic yards by 1.3 to estimate the weight in tons, since pea gravel weighs approximately 1.3 tons per cubic yard.
Always order 5 to 10 percent more pea gravel than your calculated amount to account for compaction, uneven ground, and waste during installation.
Pea Gravel Depth Recommendations
The right depth of pea gravel depends on how you plan to use it. Here are guidelines for common applications:
- Decorative ground cover (2 inches): A 2-inch layer is enough for purely decorative applications around plants, trees, and garden borders. It covers the soil while allowing water to pass through easily.
- Walkways and patios (3 to 4 inches): For areas with foot traffic, 3 to 4 inches of pea gravel provides a stable surface that is comfortable to walk on. Consider using landscape edging to keep the gravel contained.
- Drainage applications (4+ inches): For French drains, foundation drainage, and other water management projects, use at least 4 inches of pea gravel. The rounded stones create excellent void space for water to flow through.
- Play areas (6 inches): The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends at least 6 inches of loose-fill material like pea gravel beneath playground equipment for adequate fall cushioning.
Pea Gravel Cost Estimates
Pea gravel is one of the most affordable landscaping materials available. Here is what you can expect to pay:
- Bulk delivery: $30 to $60 per ton, depending on your location and the supplier. Most landscape supply companies offer delivery for an additional $50 to $150 fee.
- Bagged from stores: $4 to $6 per 0.5 cubic foot bag at home improvement stores. This is significantly more expensive per ton and only practical for very small projects.
- Installed by a professional: $10 to $25 per square foot including materials, preparation, edging, and labor.
For most residential projects, buying in bulk is the most economical option. A typical patio or walkway project of 100 to 200 square feet at 3 inches deep requires about 1 to 2 tons of pea gravel, costing $30 to $120 in materials.
Tips for Installing Pea Gravel
For the best results with your pea gravel project, follow these steps:
- Prepare the area: Remove existing vegetation, debris, and topsoil. Grade the surface so water drains away from structures.
- Install edging: Use metal, plastic, or stone edging to create a border that keeps the gravel contained. Without edging, pea gravel will migrate into surrounding areas.
- Lay landscape fabric: Place a high-quality landscape fabric over the prepared surface to prevent weed growth from below while still allowing water drainage.
- Spread the gravel: Pour and rake the pea gravel to an even depth across the entire area. Use a tamper to lightly compact the surface for walkways.
Frequently Asked Questions
How deep should pea gravel be?
The recommended depth for pea gravel depends on its purpose. For decorative ground cover and garden paths, 2 inches is sufficient. For walkways and patios with moderate foot traffic, 3 to 4 inches provides better stability. For drainage applications like French drains or around foundations, use at least 4 inches. Driveways typically require 4 to 6 inches of pea gravel over a compacted base layer of crushed stone.
How much does pea gravel cost?
Pea gravel typically costs between $30 and $60 per ton when purchased in bulk from a landscape supply company. Prices vary by region, stone color, and supplier. Bagged pea gravel from home improvement stores costs significantly more per ton, usually $4 to $6 per 0.5 cubic foot bag. For projects requiring more than 1 to 2 tons, buying in bulk with delivery is the most cost-effective option and usually saves 50% or more compared to bagged product.
What is the difference between pea gravel and regular gravel?
Pea gravel consists of small, naturally rounded and tumbled stones typically 1/8 to 3/8 inch in diameter with smooth edges. Regular gravel, often called crushed stone, has angular and jagged edges and comes in various sizes. Pea gravel is more comfortable to walk on barefoot, better suited for decorative use, and gentler on plant roots. Crushed gravel compacts more tightly because its angular edges interlock, making it the preferred choice for driveways, road bases, and structural applications.
How many tons of pea gravel do I need per cubic yard?
Pea gravel weighs approximately 1.3 tons (2,600 pounds) per cubic yard. This can vary slightly based on moisture content and the specific stone composition, ranging from about 1.2 to 1.4 tons per cubic yard. When ordering, it is always a good idea to add 5 to 10 percent extra to account for compaction and uneven ground.