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Pea Gravel Calculator

Quick answer: Pea gravel needs area × depth: paths and patios are often 2 to 3 inches, play areas deeper per local guidance. A 15 × 12 ft patio at 3 inches is about 1.7 yd³, or about 2.4 tons at 1.4 tons per yard. Rounded stones shift underfoot, so edging matters as much as quantity.

How the estimate works

Pea gravel is small and rounded, so it does not lock like crushed stone. Deeper layers feel loose to walk on, which is why many patio builds keep the top layer modest and use a stabilising base or grid underneath. Bagged pea gravel is common in 0.5 ft³ bags, which makes bulk far cheaper for anything beyond a small bed.

Worked example: pea gravel calculator

Illustrative examples (2026-10-29), not quotes or guarantees.

15 × 12 = 180 ft². At 3 in = 45 ft³; +5% = 47.25 ft³ ≈ 1.75 yd³ ≈ 2.45 tons, or about 95 half-cubic-foot bags.

FAQ

How deep for a pea gravel patio?

Many builds use 2–3 in over a compacted base; see the patio guide.

Does it need fabric?

See fabric under gravel.

For play areas?

Follow your local playground surfacing guidance; this tool only computes volume.

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