Pea Gravel Calculator

Calculate how much pea gravel you need by volume, then add your supplier's bulk density if you also want an estimated weight.

Pea gravel volume calculator

Material: Pea gravel · Calculating another material? Use the Gravel Calculator

Units
Area and depth

Section 1

Shape

For a square, enter the same length and width.

Enter the finished depth you plan to use.

Add another area — a second bed or a path, for example — to calculate a combined total.

Advanced optionsExtra material / handling allowance

Adds the percentage you choose to the order volume for waste, handling or contingency. It is separate from compaction.

Result

Your result will appear here

Enter your measurements and calculate to see volume in cubic yards, cubic feet, and cubic metres.

How this calculator works

Pea gravel is calculated the same way as any loose gravel layer: the measured area multiplied by the finished depth you choose.

Volume = Area × Finished depth

Area and depth must use compatible units. The calculator converts them for you.

If you add an Extra material / handling allowance, the order volume is the required volume plus that percentage. The calculator never adds one for you.

Weight is a separate, optional step. It needs the bulk density of the pea gravel you are buying, so it only appears after you enter your supplier's figure.

About pea gravel

Pea gravel is small, rounded gravel. It is often used for paths, play areas and landscape beds. Suppliers usually sell it by the cubic yard or by the US short ton.

The name does not set the weight

“Pea gravel” describes a general type of stone, not one product. Size range, rock type, moisture and how loosely it is measured all change how much a cubic yard weighs. That is why no pea gravel density is built in — ask your supplier for the loose bulk density of the exact product.

Common uses

  • Garden paths and walkways
  • Play areas
  • Landscape beds and borders

Planning several beds or paths? The Landscape Rock Calculator combines multiple areas, or you can add sections here.

Important

Pea gravel is not a conventional paver base. CMHA guidance for interlocking concrete pavers specifically warns against smooth pea gravel as base material. For a paver project, see the Paver Base Calculator.

For a general volume calculation with any material, use the Gravel Calculator.

Worked example

Example: 24 ft × 10 ft path at 3 in deep, with a 5% allowance

  1. Area: 24 ft × 10 ft = 240 ft²
  2. Depth: 3 in = 0.25 ft
  3. Volume: 240 × 0.25 = 60.0 ft³
  4. Cubic yards: 60.0 ÷ 27 = 2.22 yd³
  5. Allowance: 2.22 × 5% = 0.11 yd³
  6. Order volume: 2.22 + 0.11 = 2.33 yd³

Result: 2.33 cubic yards to order. The 3 in depth and 5% allowance are example inputs, not recommendations. To estimate weight, multiply by your supplier's loose bulk density for this product.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a yard of pea gravel weigh?

It depends on the product. Different pea gravels weigh different amounts per cubic yard, and loose material weighs less per cubic yard than compacted material. Ask your supplier for the loose bulk density and enter it after calculating volume.

Why is there no pea gravel density built in?

We did not find a reliable nationwide bulk density for pea gravel. Using one supplier’s product figure as a general value could give a misleading weight, so the calculator asks for your supplier’s figure instead.

Should I add extra pea gravel?

That is your choice. The Extra material / handling allowance starts at 0%. Enter a percentage if you want extra for waste, handling or contingency.

Can I use pea gravel under pavers?

Not as a conventional paver base. CMHA guidance for interlocking concrete pavers warns against smooth pea gravel for the base layer.

Sources & methodology

The volume result is geometry plus unit conversion. Weight uses only the bulk density you enter. Sources relevant to this page: