Enter your length, width and depth — get cubic yards, tons, the number of 50-lb bags you need, and a real cost estimate in seconds. Built for homeowners, landscapers, and contractors.
Tip: For a long path use the coverage calculator. For a circular patio, use the patio calculator. For tonnage only, use the weight calculator.
Different projects need different calculations. Each calculator below is focused on one specific job type.
How much does X cubic yards cover at a given depth? Works backwards from volume.
By WeightConvert volume to pounds, tons, kilograms and metric tonnes for truck orders.
By BudgetEnter a per-ton or per-yard supplier price and get the full delivered cost estimate.
By BagsBuying from a hardware store? Get the exact number of 50-lb bags your project needs.
By VolumeConvert length, width and depth to cubic yards, cubic feet, and cubic metres.
ProjectIncludes the recommended 4-inch depth and 15% compaction factor for driveways.
ProjectSupports rectangular and circular patios with 3-inch depth as default.
MaterialCubic yards, bags, and cost for any area and depth. Covers all mulch types with settling rates and bulk vs bag break-even.
All ShapesAny gravel type in cubic yards, tons, and bags. 4 shapes, 10 materials, French drain and dump truck calculator included.
ConverterConvert any material — gravel, sand, topsoil, mulch. Returns short tons, metric tonnes, and pounds. Works both ways.
The calculation behind any pea gravel estimate uses three measurements — length, width, and depth — multiplied together to get volume, then converted to the units your supplier uses. The core formula:
For a 10×12 ft patio at 2-inch depth: 10 × 12 × (2÷12) = 20 ft³ = 0.74 yd³ = 1.0 ton = 40 bags. At 3 inches that becomes 30 ft³ = 1.11 yd³ = 1.5 tons = 60 bags. Depth is the variable that changes the order most — always confirm it before calling your supplier.
Verified against NRMCA aggregate guidelines and ASTM C33 standards.
| Project Type | Recommended Depth | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Top-dressing flower beds | 1–2 inches | Suppresses weeds; doesn't smother plant crowns |
| Garden paths and walkways | 2–3 inches | Comfortable to walk on; stays in place with edging |
| Patios and seating areas | 2–3 inches over base | Drains well; furniture sits stably at 2.5 in max |
| Residential driveways | 4–6 inches over road base | Must have 4-inch compacted base layer underneath |
| French drains | Full trench depth | Rounded shape moves water efficiently through voids |
| Playground surfacing | 9–12 inches | Required for impact attenuation per ASTM F1292 |
All figures at 2-inch depth, including 10% waste factor.
| Project | Area | Cubic Yards | Tons | 50-lb Bags |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small garden path (10×3 ft) | 30 sq ft | 0.19 yd³ | 0.25 tons | 11 bags |
| 10×10 ft patio | 100 sq ft | 0.62 yd³ | 0.83 tons | 34 bags |
| 12×14 ft dining patio | 168 sq ft | 1.04 yd³ | 1.40 tons | 56 bags |
| Single-car driveway (12×40 ft)* | 480 sq ft | 7.41 yd³ | 10.0 tons | — |
| Two-car driveway (20×40 ft)* | 800 sq ft | 12.3 yd³ | 16.6 tons | — |
* Driveway figures at 4-inch depth with 25% combined waste and compaction factor.
Origin, characteristics, and why landscapers prefer it for paths and drainage.
ReferenceFrom 1/8" to 3/8" — which size fits which job, with pros and cons per application.
DIYStep-by-step: base prep, edging, fabric, depth, and finishing for weekend DIY.
PricingWhat you'll actually pay per ton, per yard, and per bag — including delivery fees.
ComparePea gravel vs crushed stone, river rock, and decomposed granite — when each wins.
Inspiration12 ways to use pea gravel in your yard — patios, paths, dry creeks and more.
StyleTan, gray, white, black — every color explained by mineral origin with pairing guidance.
MaintenanceAnnual top-up schedule, weed control, leaf removal, and when to re-lay from scratch.
GuideCost, depth, base spec, installation steps, slope limits, edging, and snow removal for pea gravel driveways.
Density used: 100 lb per cubic foot (1.35 short tons per cubic yard) for dry, loose 3/8-inch pea gravel. Source: USGS Construction Sand and Gravel Statistics.
Depth standards: NRMCA aggregate specifications for residential landscaping applications. Driveway standards: NACE gravel road specifications and USDA NRCS Conservation Practice Standard 560.
Verified against:
Last reviewed: May 2026 · Full methodology