Calculate how much pea gravel you need in cubic yards, tons, and bags. Use the quick-fill presets for common projects or enter custom dimensions below.
This is one of the most common pea gravel questions, so here is the direct answer: a 12×12 foot patio at 3 inches deep requires 1.33 cubic yards of pea gravel, which weighs approximately 1.80 tons (3,600 lbs).
Here is the math step by step:
At typical prices of $35-55 per cubic yard for bulk pea gravel, the material cost for a 12×12 patio runs about $47-73 before delivery. For a broader view of patio materials, see our rock calculator to compare options.
Pea gravel weighs 2,700 pounds (1.35 tons) per cubic yard. This density is consistent with standard loose gravel and crushed stone, making weight conversions straightforward when ordering by the ton.
Knowing the weight helps in two important ways: calculating how many truckloads you need for delivery, and estimating whether your vehicle can handle a pickup order. A standard half-ton pickup truck can safely carry about 1,300-1,500 lbs, which is roughly half a cubic yard of pea gravel. For anything over one cubic yard, a dump truck delivery is the practical choice.
| Volume | Weight (lbs) | Weight (tons) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 cubic foot | 100 | 0.05 |
| 0.5 cubic yard | 1,350 | 0.68 |
| 1 cubic yard | 2,700 | 1.35 |
| 2 cubic yards | 5,400 | 2.70 |
| 5 cubic yards | 13,500 | 6.75 |
For more material weight data, visit our gravel weight chart.
Pea gravel is one of the most affordable landscaping materials. The per-unit cost drops significantly when you buy in bulk rather than by the bag.
| Purchase Method | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Bulk (per cubic yard) | $35-55 | Projects over 0.5 cu.yd. (patios, large beds) |
| Bulk (per ton) | $25-45 | Quarry purchases, large-volume orders |
| Bags (0.5 cu.ft.) | $4-6 per bag | Small touch-ups, fill-ins under 0.5 cu.yd. |
| Super sacks (1 cu.yd.) | $60-90 | Medium projects, convenient single-unit delivery |
Delivery fees vary by supplier and distance, typically ranging from $50 to $150. Many yards offer free delivery on orders of 5 cubic yards or more. Use our gravel cost calculator to estimate your total project expense.
The amount of pea gravel you need depends heavily on the depth you choose. Deeper layers are more stable and durable but require more material. Use this chart to estimate coverage per cubic yard.
| Depth | Coverage per Cubic Yard (sq.ft.) | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|
| 1 inch | 324 | Thin decorative topping |
| 2 inches | 162 | Walkways, between stepping stones |
| 3 inches | 108 | Patios, dog runs, landscape beds |
| 4 inches | 81 | Playgrounds, high-traffic paths |
| 6 inches | 54 | Playground fall zones, drainage areas |
For a complete coverage reference across all material types, see our gravel coverage chart.
The break-even point between bagged and bulk pea gravel is roughly 0.5 cubic yards (about 14 cubic feet or 28 standard bags). Below that threshold, bags are often more convenient and may cost about the same as bulk after factoring in delivery fees.
As a quick reference: one cubic yard of pea gravel equals approximately 54 standard half-cubic-foot bags. At $5 per bag, that is $270 versus $35-55 for the same amount in bulk. The savings are substantial on any project larger than a few square feet.
A 12×12 foot patio at 3 inches deep requires 1.33 cubic yards (about 1.80 tons) of pea gravel. This equals approximately 36 cubic feet. Add 10% extra for waste and settling, bringing the total to about 1.47 cubic yards or 1.98 tons.
A cubic yard of pea gravel weighs approximately 2,700 pounds or 1.35 tons. This weight can increase slightly when the gravel is wet, so keep that in mind when calculating load capacity for transport or delivery.
Buy bags when you need less than 0.5 cubic yards (about 14 cubic feet). For anything larger, bulk delivery is significantly cheaper. A 0.5 cubic foot bag costs $4-6 at retail, while bulk pea gravel runs $35-55 per cubic yard — roughly one-third the price per unit volume.
For a patio, 3 inches of pea gravel is the standard recommendation. This provides a stable walking surface and enough depth to prevent bare spots. If using pea gravel over a compacted base, 2 inches may be sufficient. For playgrounds, use 4-6 inches for safety cushioning.
Use the calculator above to get an instant estimate for your patio, walkway, playground, or any pea gravel project. Try the quick-fill presets for common sizes.
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