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Cubic yards = area (sq ft) × depth (in) ÷ 324 × 1.10 for waste; tons = cubic yards × 1.35. Worked example: a 16 × 12 ft patio at 3 in deep is 192 × 3 ÷ 324 = 1.78 cubic yards, about 1.96 with 10% extra — 2.6 tons, or roughly $92–$185 at $35–$70 a ton.
With these inputs:
| Result | Value |
|---|---|
| Pea gravel needed | 1.96 yd³ |
| Weight | 2.64 tons |
| Estimated cost | $92 – $185 |
| Edging needed | 56 linear ft |
| Area | 192 sq ft |
| Depth used | 3 in |
| Volume | 1.96 yd³ |
| Weight | 2.64 tons |
| 50 lb bags | 106 bags |
| Material cost | $92 – $185 |
| Perimeter (for edging) | 56 ft |
Pea gravel is rounded, so it will not lock in place. Install edging around the whole perimeter or it will spread into the surrounding lawn within a season.
Pea gravel behaves differently from angular crushed stone: it does not compact, it migrates without edging, and it is usually laid shallower. This calculator uses pea gravel's own density and pricing, and flags the depth range that actually works for each use.
Two inches for decorative beds, two to three inches for paths and patios, and nine inches under playground equipment. Going deeper than three inches on a walking surface makes it unpleasant to walk on.
Bulk pea gravel runs $35 to $70 per ton delivered, or roughly $47 to $95 per cubic yard. Bagged pea gravel costs far more per unit volume and only makes sense for very small areas.
For patios and paths, yes — put down 2 to 4 inches of compacted crusher run first, with fabric underneath. Pea gravel laid straight onto soil will sink and mix with dirt.
Yes. It is rounded and will not stay put. Steel, aluminum, plastic, or timber edging around the full perimeter is essential.
Need the whole roof at once? The free roofing calculator works out roof area, squares, shingle bundles, underlayment, drip edge, ridge cap and installed cost from one set of measurements.