Pea Gravel Calculator
Calculate the exact amount of pea gravel needed for driveways, pathways, patios, and landscaping projects. Get volume in cubic yards, weight in tons, bags, and total cost with instant breakdown charts.
About This Calculator
Our pea gravel calculator helps homeowners, landscapers, and contractors estimate the exact amount of pea gravel needed for any outdoor project. Whether you are creating a garden path, laying a patio base, building a French drain, or designing a playground surface, this tool quickly converts your area dimensions into cubic yards, weight in tons, number of bags required, and estimated total cost based on current market prices.
The calculator uses the standard volume formula: volume (cubic feet) = length × width × depth (converted to feet). It then converts to cubic yards (÷ 27) and tons (× 1.5 tons per cubic yard, the average density of pea gravel). The bag count assumes standard 0.5 cubic foot decorative stone bags available at home improvement stores. The cost estimate uses your entered price per ton, which can be adjusted based on your local supplier's rates.
Regional Notes
India: Pea gravel (often called "bajri" or fine aggregate) is typically sold by the tonne or brass (100 cubic feet). Prices range from ₹1,800 to ₹3,500 per tonne depending on grade and location. Pea gravel is commonly used in landscaping and as a base layer for paving projects.
US: Pea gravel is sold by the cubic yard or ton at landscaping supply yards and home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe's. Bulk prices range from $25 to $65 per cubic yard ($17 to $44 per ton). Bagged pea gravel (0.5 cu ft bags) costs $5 to $8 per bag and is available in various colors.
UK: Pea gravel and decorative aggregate are sold by the tonne at builders' merchants and garden centers. Prices range from £35 to £70 per tonne. Bulk delivery is recommended for projects over 1 tonne. Always compare prices including VAT and delivery fees.
Features:
- Instant cubic yard, weight (tons), bag count, and cost calculations
- Visual doughnut and bar chart breakdowns
- Shareable URLs with saved input values for easy reference
- Region-aware defaults for India, US, and UK
- Mobile responsive for on-site measurements
- Free to use with no registration required
Frequently Asked Questions
How much pea gravel do I need for my project?
To calculate pea gravel needed, measure the length and width of the area in feet and the desired depth in inches. Multiply length × width × (depth ÷ 12) to get cubic feet, then divide by 27 to get cubic yards. Multiply cubic yards by 1.5 to find the tons of pea gravel required. A standard bag of pea gravel contains 0.5 cubic feet. For a 10 ft × 10 ft patio at 2 inches deep, you need approximately 0.62 cubic yards or 0.93 tons.
What is pea gravel used for?
Pea gravel is versatile and used for pathways and patios (2-3 inch depth), driveways (3-4 inch depth), playgrounds (6-8 inch depth for impact absorption), drainage systems like French drains (6+ inches), landscaping around flower beds to suppress weeds, and decorative ground cover. Its smooth, rounded stones make it comfortable underfoot and allow water to drain freely.
How much does pea gravel cost per ton?
Bulk pea gravel typically costs $25 to $65 per cubic yard ($17 to $44 per ton) in the US, depending on region and supplier. In the UK, expect £35 to £70 per tonne. In India, pea gravel costs roughly ₹1,800 to ₹3,500 per tonne. Bagged pea gravel is more expensive per unit, so for any volume above a few cubic yards, bulk delivery is usually more economical.
How many bags of pea gravel do I need?
Divide your total required volume in cubic feet by 0.5 (the standard bag size for decorative pea gravel from home improvement stores). For example, if you need 25 cubic feet of pea gravel, divide by 0.5 to get 50 bags. For larger projects, bulk delivery in cubic yards is more cost-effective than buying individual bags.
Is pea gravel good for drainage?
Yes, pea gravel is one of the best materials for drainage applications. The smooth, rounded stones create natural gaps that prevent tight compaction, allowing water to flow freely through the bed. Pea gravel is commonly used in French drains, trench drains, and around foundation perimeters to divert water away from structures. A minimum depth of 6 inches is recommended for effective drainage.
What depth of pea gravel do I need for a walkway?
For a pea gravel walkway or patio, a depth of 2 to 3 inches is recommended. This provides a comfortable walking surface while allowing the stones to lock together. Deeper layers (3-4 inches) are needed for areas that will support light vehicle traffic. For playgrounds, use 6 to 8 inches for proper impact absorption and child safety.
Should I order extra pea gravel beyond my calculated amount?
Yes, always order 10-15% extra pea gravel to account for compaction, settlement, and irregular ground surfaces. Pea gravel settles and compacts by about 10% after installation. Ordering extra also ensures color consistency across the project and avoids delays if you run short during installation.
What is the density of pea gravel?
Pea gravel has a density of approximately 111.6 pounds per cubic foot (1.79 tonnes per cubic meter). This equals about 1.5 tons per cubic yard. The density can vary slightly depending on the stone composition and moisture content, but 1.5 tons per cubic yard is a reliable average for estimating bulk material needs.