Pea Gravel Calculator
Estimate the volume in cubic yards and total weight in tons of pea gravel needed for patios, dog runs, walkways, or playgrounds.
Calculation Results
Total cubic yards of pea gravel needed, including waste.
Total weight of pea gravel needed in short tons (2,000 lbs).
How This Calculator Works
To use the Pea Gravel Calculator:
- Enter the length and width of your walk, patio, or play area.
- Specify the depth of the gravel layer (2 inches is typical for walking paths; 3 to 4 inches is ideal for playgrounds or dog runs).
- Specify the density of the pea gravel (1.4 tons/cu yd is standard).
- Add a waste allowance. 10% is recommended because the small pebbles shift and compact underfoot.
Formula & Calculations
Pea gravel volume is calculated using the area dimensions and layer depth, converted to cubic yards and including a waste factor:
Volume (Cubic Yards) = ((Length × Width × Depth) / 27) × (1 + Waste / 100)
Weight is calculated by multiplying the cubic yard volume by the density of the gravel (expressed in tons per cubic yard):
Weight (Tons) = Volume (Cubic Yards) × Density
For standard pea gravel, the average density is approximately 1.4 tons per cubic yard.
Step-by-Step Calculation Examples
Backyard Walkway
A walkway measuring 20ft by 10ft wide, filled with a 2-inch layer of pea gravel at standard density (1.4 tons/cu yd) and 10% waste.
- length: 20
- width: 10
- depth: 2
- density: 1.4
- waste: 10
- volume_cu_yd: 1.36 cu yd
- tons_needed: 1.90 tons
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a cubic yard of pea gravel weigh?
A cubic yard of clean pea gravel typically weighs between 2,700 and 2,900 pounds, which is approximately 1.35 to 1.45 tons.
What size is pea gravel?
Pea gravel consists of small, rounded river pebbles that are typically between 1/4 inch and 1/2 inch in diameter. They are smooth and comfortable to walk on.
Should pea gravel be compacted?
Unlike angular crushed stone, pea gravel consists of smooth, rounded pebbles that do not interlock. Therefore, pea gravel cannot be compacted into a hard surface and will remain loose and shifty underfoot.
How deep should pea gravel be for a patio?
For a pedestrian patio, a depth of 2 to 3 inches of pea gravel is ideal. Laying it deeper than 3 inches makes walking difficult, as feet will sink too deep into the stones.
Does pea gravel drain well?
Yes, pea gravel provides excellent drainage. The gaps between the rounded pebbles allow water to quickly filter straight down through the gravel and landscape fabric into the subgrade.