Volume equals length times width times depth in feet. Dividing by 27 converts cubic feet to cubic yards. Multiplying cubic yards by the material density (tons per cubic yard) gives the weight in tons to order.
Volume (cu ft) = L × W × depth (ft) Cubic yards = cu ft ÷ 27 Tons = cubic yards × density (tons/yd³)
Who Is This Calculator For?
Anyone planning a decorative or functional gravel project who needs to know how many tons to order before calling a supplier.
Homeowners building garden paths
Calculate pea gravel or river rock for a backyard path or stepping stone walkway before calling a stone supplier.
Dog run installers
Estimate gravel needed for a 2-4 inch dog run base that drains well and is comfortable on paws.
Fire pit area builders
Determine tons of gravel for a fire pit surround that is non-combustible, drains rain, and looks attractive.
Landscapers designing drainage areas
Calculate lava rock or river rock for a dry creek bed or French drain surface layer that handles stormwater.
Playground builders
Estimate pea gravel or rubber pea gravel for a safety surface under play equipment.
Property owners refreshing a gravel area
Figure out how many tons to top up a worn gravel area that has thinned from foot traffic or erosion.
When Should You Use It?
Before calling a bulk stone supplier to confirm the exact tonnage needed
To compare pea gravel, river rock, lava rock, and decomposed granite prices for the same area
When deciding whether to order a bulk delivery or buy bagged gravel at a hardware store
To estimate the cost of a decorative gravel area before committing to a design
Any time you need to convert between cubic yards and tons for a landscape materials order
Example Calculations
Example 1: 20x10 garden path at 3 inches
A homeowner wants pea gravel on a 20 ft x 10 ft garden area at 3 inches deep.
A homeowner needs pea gravel for a 15 ft x 15 ft dog run at 4 inches deep.
Volume = 15 x 15 x (4/12) = 75 cu ft
Cubic Yards = 75 / 27 = 2.78 cu yd
Tons: 2.78 x 1.4 = 3.89 tons
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Skipping the weed barrier
Without landscape fabric under pea gravel, weeds push through within one growing season. They are almost impossible to pull without displacing the gravel. Install fabric first, overlap seams by at least 6 inches, and pin with landscape staples before adding any gravel.
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Not installing edging to contain the gravel
Pea gravel is smooth and round and will migrate into surrounding lawn or beds without a physical border. Metal or plastic landscape edging sunk 2 inches deep is essential for any path, bed, or dog run. Add edging as a separate project cost before calculating gravel.
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Using pea gravel for vehicle driveways
Pea gravel does not compact. Under vehicle tires it forms ruts, throws stones, and shifts constantly. Use angular crushed stone (like #57 or #21A) for any area that supports vehicles. Save pea gravel for foot traffic, decorative beds, and dog runs only.
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Applying less than 2 inches for a path or bed
Under 2 inches, pea gravel is patchy, displaces easily underfoot, and does not effectively suppress weeds between fabric gaps. A minimum of 2-3 inches is required for a functional surface. 3 inches is the sweet spot for most residential applications.
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Calculating bulk vs. bagged cost incorrectly
A 0.5 cu ft bag of pea gravel at $5 works out to about $340 per cubic yard. Bulk pea gravel at $45/ton is roughly $63-$70 per cubic yard. For any project over 3 cubic yards, bulk delivery is dramatically cheaper. Run the calculator first, then compare the per-cubic-yard cost before deciding which to buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pea gravel for patios and walkways should be 2-3 inches deep. Less than 2 inches is too thin and will spread unevenly underfoot. More than 3-4 inches becomes unstable and difficult to walk on. For driveways, use 4 inches of pea gravel over a compacted base. Edging is essential to keep pea gravel contained in any application.
National Gardening Association - Landscape Gravel Use Guide
Source for pea gravel depth recommendations by application (2-3 inches for paths and beds, 3-4 inches for dog runs) and the requirement for landscape fabric under all decorative gravel installations.
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ASTM D448 - Standard Classification for Sizes of Aggregate for Road and Bridge Construction
Reference standard for gravel size classifications. Pea gravel is typically 3/8 inch diameter (No. 8 aggregate). The smooth rounded grain characteristic that makes pea gravel unsuitable for vehicle compaction is a function of its water-worn origin, not aggregate size.
3
American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) - Hardscape Material Specifications
Source for density values used in this calculator (pea gravel 1.4 t/yd, river rock 1.35 t/yd, lava rock 0.8 t/yd) and for the recommendation against using smooth rounded aggregate for vehicle traffic surfaces.
HR
Hassaan Rasheed
Developer and Researcher, CalculatorFlux
Researches and verifies the formulas, methodology, and source data behind each calculator on CalculatorFlux. All tools are built and checked against the cited references before publication.
Last updated: May 2026
Density Reference
Material
Tons/yd³
Pea Gravel
1.4
River Rock
1.35
Crushed Stone
1.5
White Marble Chips
1.35
Lava Rock
0.8
Decomposed Granite
1.5
Pro Tip
Always install edging before laying pea gravel. Without borders, gravel migrates into lawns and flower beds within weeks. Metal or plastic landscape edging sunk 2 inches deep keeps gravel contained and greatly reduces maintenance.