How Much Pea Gravel Do You Need?
FormulaVolume (cu yd) = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (in) ÷ 324
Pea gravel volume follows the same formula as any aggregate: area times depth, converted to cubic yards. The typical application depth for pea gravel ranges from 2 inches for decorative coverage to 4 inches for paths and 6 inches for playgrounds. Pea gravel weighs roughly 1.4 tons per cubic yard, slightly less than crushed stone because of its rounder shape and lower packing density.
Pea Gravel Depth by Application
- Landscaping and decorative beds — 2 to 3 inches. Enough to cover and suppress weeds, with a landscape fabric underneath.
- Garden paths and walkways — 3 to 4 inches. Deeper coverage provides a more stable walking surface and reduces scattering.
- Patios — 3 to 4 inches over a compacted base. Pea gravel patios are easy to install but shift under furniture — edging is essential.
- Dog runs — 3 to 4 inches. Pea gravel drains well and is comfortable on paws. Easy to clean with a hose.
- Playground safety surface — The CPSC recommends at least 9 inches of loose fill material under play equipment for falls from heights up to 7 feet. Consider engineered wood fiber or rubber mulch for certified playground installations — pea gravel has limited shock absorbency at typical depths.
- Drainage trenches / French drains — Fill the trench fully, surrounding the perforated pipe.
Bags vs Bulk Pea Gravel
- A standard 50 lb bag covers about 0.5 cubic feet. At 3-inch depth, one bag covers approximately 2 sq ft.
- Bulk pea gravel from a landscape supplier: $25 to $45 per cubic yard delivered. Bags from a home centre: $5 to $8 per 50 lb bag — equivalent to $270 to $430 per cubic yard.
- Bags are practical for small areas under 1 cubic yard (approximately 200 sq ft at 2-inch depth). For anything larger, call for bulk delivery.