Pea Gravel Calculator
100% in your browser - no upload, no sign-up.
Pea gravel is small (about 3/8 in / 10 mm), smooth, rounded stone. It's comfortable underfoot and drains well, which is why it's popular for paths, patios and play areas - but because the stones are round they shift, so it needs edging to stay put.
Area preview
Weight
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Volume
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Bags needed
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Area: -
💡 Order about 10% extra - settling and spills eat into every load.
⚠️ Enter the full depth - a thin layer scatters and sinks.
What pea gravel is best for
- Garden and walkway paths
- Patios and seating areas
- Dog runs and play areas
- Drainage fill and French drains
How much pea gravel do you need?
2 in (5 cm) is enough for a decorative path or bed; go to 3 in (8 cm) where there's foot traffic. Pea gravel isn't ideal for driveways - cars push the round stones aside.
Pea gravel is denser than most decorative stone at roughly 1.7 t/m³ (about 1.4 tons per cubic yard), so a given area weighs more than the same volume of river rock. The calculator multiplies your area by depth for volume, then by that density for tonnage.
Frequently asked questions
- How much pea gravel do I need for a path?
- Multiply the path width by its length for the area, use a 2 in (5 cm) depth, and the calculator converts it to volume, tons and bags automatically.
- Is pea gravel good for a driveway?
- Not on its own. The rounded stones migrate under vehicle weight; crushed stone locks together and holds up far better for driveways.
- Does pea gravel need edging?
- Yes. Because the stones are smooth and round they spread out over time, so a border (steel, stone or timber) keeps the area crisp.