How much does a cubic yard of pea gravel weigh?

Pea gravel weighs approximately 1.4 tons (2,800 lbs) per cubic yard. This is slightly lighter than crushed stone which is typically 1.5 tons/yard.

How deep should pea gravel be for a walkway?

For walkways and paths, use 2 inches. For patios and seating areas, use 3 inches. For drainage applications, use 4–6 inches.

How many 50 lb bags of pea gravel per cubic yard?

A 50 lb bag covers approximately 0.5 cubic feet. One cubic yard = 27 cubic feet, so you need about 54 bags per cubic yard.

Do I need a weed barrier under pea gravel?

Yes, a landscape fabric weed barrier is strongly recommended under pea gravel to prevent weeds and keep the gravel from mixing with soil over time.

What is pea gravel used for in landscaping?

Pea gravel is commonly used for paths, patios, decorative borders, dog runs, playgrounds, and as a drainage layer in French drains and planters.

Pea Gravel Calculator

Calculate how much pea gravel you need in cubic yards, tons, and 50 lb bags for paths, patios, borders, and drainage. Uses the 1.4 tons/yard density for 3/8" pea gravel.

Length (ft)

Width (ft)

Depth (in) ?

Cubic Yards

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Extended More scenarios, charts & detailed breakdown ▾

Path Length (ft)

Path Width (ft)

Depth (in)

Cubic Yards

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Tons —

50 lb Bags —

Professional Full parameters & maximum detail ▾

Length (ft)

Width (ft)

Depth (in)

Primary Use

Cost per Ton ($)

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Site Materials

Edging Needed (lin ft) —

Weed Barrier (sq ft) —

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Recommended Depth —

How to Use This Calculator

Enter the length and width of the area in feet.
Set the depth in inches (2 in for paths, 3 in for patios, 4–6 in for drainage).
Results show cubic yards, tons, and 50 lb bag count. Use Professional tab for cost estimate and site material quantities.

Formula

Cubic Feet = Length × Width × (Depth_in ÷ 12)

Cubic Yards = Cubic Feet ÷ 27

Tons = Cubic Yards × 1.4 (pea gravel density)

Example

Example: 20 ft × 10 ft path, 2 in deep → 20 × 10 × (2/12) = 33.3 cu ft → 1.23 cu yd → 1.73 tons → 67 bags of 50 lb pea gravel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pea gravel weighs approximately 1.4 tons (2,800 lbs) per cubic yard. This is slightly lighter than crushed stone which is typically 1.5 tons/yard.
For walkways and paths, use 2 inches. For patios and seating areas, use 3 inches. For drainage applications, use 4–6 inches.
A 50 lb bag covers approximately 0.5 cubic feet. One cubic yard = 27 cubic feet, so you need about 54 bags per cubic yard.
Yes, a landscape fabric weed barrier is strongly recommended under pea gravel to prevent weeds and keep the gravel from mixing with soil over time.
Pea gravel is commonly used for paths, patios, decorative borders, dog runs, playgrounds, and as a drainage layer in French drains and planters.

Related Calculators

Sources & References (5) ▾

Lowe's Pea Gravel Project Guide — Lowe's
Home Depot Landscaping Materials Guide — Home Depot
UC Cooperative Extension – Landscape Groundcovers — University of California Cooperative Extension
ICPI – Permeable Interlocking Pavement Systems — Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute
Penn State Extension – Landscape Mulches and Groundcovers — Penn State Extension