CalcBuild

Pea Gravel Calculator – Estimate Cubic Yards, Tons & Coverage

Use our free pea gravel calculator to estimate how much pea gravel you need in cubic yards, tons, pounds, or 50lb bags. Get coverage per ton at any depth.

Pea Gravel Calculator Formula

Cubic Yards = (Length × Width × Depth in ft) ÷ 27

Assumptions

  • Pea gravel density is approximately 1.3 tons per cubic yard (2,600 lbs/yd³)
  • Calculations assume loose, uncompacted gravel — compaction may reduce volume by 5–10%
  • Coverage estimates assume a uniform, level surface with consistent depth

How to Calculate Pea Gravel

  1. 1. Convert depth from inches to feet: Depth (ft) = Depth (in) ÷ 12
  2. 2. Calculate cubic yards: Cubic Yards = (Length × Width × Depth) ÷ 27
  3. 3. Calculate tons: Tons = Cubic Yards × 1.3 (pea gravel density)
  4. 4. Calculate coverage: Coverage (sq ft/ton) = (Tons × 2000) ÷ (Depth in inches × 100)
  5. 5. Calculate weight: Weight (lbs) = Cubic Yards × 2600 (1.3 tons/yd³ × 2000)
  6. 6. Calculate 50lb bags: Bags = Weight ÷ 50

Example Calculation

Let's say you're filling a 20ft × 10ft area with 3 inches of pea gravel.

  • length: 20
  • width: 10
  • depth: 3

You need approximately 1.85 cubic yards or 2.41 tons of pea gravel, weighing about 4,815 lbs (97 fifty-pound bags)

Tips

  • Order 5–10% extra to account for compaction and uneven surfaces
  • Pea gravel density is approximately 1.3 tons per cubic yard (2,600 lbs/yd³)
  • A 50lb bag of pea gravel covers about 0.5 cubic feet
  • For pathways, a 2–3 inch depth is usually sufficient; for driveways use 4+ inches
  • Consider installing edging to keep pea gravel contained in the desired area

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a ton of pea gravel cover?
One ton of pea gravel covers approximately 100 square feet at a 2-inch depth, or about 80 square feet at a 3-inch depth. Coverage varies based on the actual depth of application.
How many yards are in a ton of pea gravel?
One ton of pea gravel equals approximately 0.77 cubic yards, since pea gravel has a density of about 1.3 tons per cubic yard. To convert tons to yards, divide the number of tons by 1.3.
How much pea gravel do I need for my project?
Measure the length and width of your area in feet and the desired depth in inches. Use the formula: Cubic Yards = (Length × Width × Depth in inches ÷ 12) ÷ 27. Then multiply by 1.3 to get tons. Always add 5–10% extra.
How much does a 50lb bag of pea gravel cover?
A 50-pound bag of pea gravel covers approximately 0.5 cubic feet, which is roughly a 6-square-foot area at a 1-inch depth. For deeper applications, you will need more bags.

Related Calculators

Last updated: 2026-05-23