Enter the area and choose the job. We’ll set a practical depth and tell you how much pea gravel to order.
Volume is area multiplied by depth. Weight is that volume multiplied by the material's density.
volume = area × depth
tons = volume (cu ft) × 96 lb/cu ft ÷ 2000
order = volume × 1.1Density used: 96 lb per cubic foot. Rounded pea gravel, typical 92–100 lb/ft³ dry. Actual delivered weight varies with moisture and stone size, so treat tonnage as an estimate and confirm with your supplier.
The recommended order adds 10% on top. Material settles, ground is never perfectly flat, and a second delivery costs far more than a little extra pea gravel.
Bag count assumes 0.5 cu ft bags, rounded up to whole bags.
About 125 sq ft at 2 in deep. Pea gravel is lighter than crushed stone, so a ton of it goes slightly further than a ton of driveway gravel.
2 in over a compacted base. Deeper than that and it feels loose and shifty underfoot, because the rounded stones do not lock together the way crushed stone does.
Pea gravel is rounded and comfortable underfoot, which suits paths, patios and dog runs. Crushed stone has angular faces that lock together when compacted, which is why driveways and paver bases use it. Rounded stone will not hold a compacted shape.
Only at proper safety depth. Loose-fill playground surfacing needs 9 in after settling, and 12 in under equipment taller than 8 ft. Check the fall height of your equipment before ordering less.