Pea Gravel Calculator
How much pea gravel you need for a path, patio, dog run, fire pit area or playground, in cubic yards, tons and bags, with the right depth for each use.
Pea gravel (cu yd) = sq ft × depth (in) ÷ 324, and it weighs about 1.4 tons per cubic yard. Use 2–3 in for paths and patios and 3 in or more for play areas. A 10 × 10 ft patio at 3 in needs 0.9 cu yd (1.3 tons, or 50 bags of 0.5 cu ft).
Pea gravel depth by use
| Use | Depth | Coverage per cu yd | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garden path | 2–3 in | 108–162 sq ft | Edge it so stones stay put |
| Patio or fire pit area | 3 in | 108 sq ft | Use a stabilizer grid for chairs |
| Dog run | 3 in | 108 sq ft | Rounded stone is easy on paws |
| Playground | Check CPSC guidance | n/a | Fall zones need loose fill rated for the play structure height |
| Drainage around foundations | 3–4 in | 81–108 sq ft | Over fabric, sloped away from the house |
Pea gravel for common sizes (3 in deep)
| Area | Cubic yards | Tons | Bags (0.5 cu ft) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 × 10 ft | 1.0 cu yd | 1.3 tons | 50 |
| 10 × 20 ft | 1.9 cu yd | 2.6 tons | 100 |
| 20 × 20 ft | 3.8 cu yd | 5.2 tons | 200 |
| 10 × 50 ft | 4.7 cu yd | 6.5 tons | 250 |
| 12 × 100 ft | 11.2 cu yd | 15.6 tons | 600 |
Frequently asked questions
How much pea gravel do I need?
Multiply the area in square feet by the depth in inches and divide by 324 for cubic yards. A 100 sq ft patio at 3 in needs 0.93 cu yd. Pea gravel weighs about 1.4 tons per cubic yard, so that is about 1.3 tons.
How many bags of pea gravel per square foot?
At 2 in deep, one 0.5 cu ft bag covers 3 sq ft; at 3 in it covers 2 sq ft. That is why areas over about 50 sq ft are cheaper with bulk delivery.
How deep should pea gravel be for a patio?
About 3 in over compacted base and landscape fabric. Deeper pea gravel shifts underfoot; for chairs and tables, a plastic stabilizer grid under 1–2 in of pea gravel stays flatter.
How much does a cubic yard of pea gravel weigh?
About 2,800 lb (1.4 tons) dry. Wet or washed pea gravel can weigh a little more.
Is pea gravel good for a dog run?
Yes. Rounded pea gravel is comfortable for paws, drains quickly and is easy to rinse. Lay about 3 in over fabric and edge it so it doesn't migrate.
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Densities are typical supplier figures for dry material (1.35–1.5 tons per cubic yard); wet, washed or very coarse stone can differ, so check your yard's number. Crusher run adds 15% for compaction. Bags are 0.5 cu ft. Playground depths should follow the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Public Playground Safety Handbook for the fall height of your equipment. Prices are placeholders to edit.